Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

277 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number participating in VTOS in each of the past five years; and the approved maximum level of participation agreed by the Department for each of those respective years. [12709/98]

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

294 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education and Science the provisions, if any, made for the continued funding of VTOS; whether it is intended to increase the number of participants in these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12813/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 294 together.

The number of participants attending VTOS courses for the last five academic years, including the current one, was as follows:

Academic Year	Approved No. of Places	No. Filled
1993-4	2,960	2,960
1994-5	5,000	4,604
1995-6	5,000	4,526
1996-7	5,000	4,544
1997-8	5,000	4,753

(October figures for each academic year)

There are no plans to change the funding provision or to increase the number of participants.