Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

293 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason it is necessary to apply conditions to participants in VTOS which are more stringent than those which apply to back to education schemes, for example, means testing of VTOS participants, no VTOS payment in September, means testing of VTOS students in relation to holiday and part-time work, limitations of VTOS course participation to a maximum of two years and the application of a 10 per cent cap to the participation of lone parents and people with disabilities in any VTOS course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12812/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The vocational opportunities training scheme — VTOS — which is administered by my Department is separate from the back to education allowance scheme which comes under the auspices of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

ESF support was sought and obtained for VTOS on the basis that it was a two year course. VTOS participants are paid their normal training allowance during the month of September. The other issues raised, including means tested training allowances and the 10 per cent cap on lone parents, are currently being considered by my Department.