Vol. 491 No. 7
207 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to exclude VTOS courses from the newly launched back to education scheme in view of the fact that these courses are the only courses particularly designed to cater for the individual needs of the long-term unemployed and offer a general education as well as vocational skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13151/98]
231 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give favourable consideration to the inclusion of VTOS courses in the back to education scheme in view of the fact that exclusion of the VTOS will cause considerable hardship and will likely diminish the impact of VTOS in the education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13291/98]
236 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has in relation to the anomalies which exist between the VTOS and the back to education schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13296/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207, 231 and 236 together.
The question of bringing the rates of allowance payable to VTOS participants into line with those paid for the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs "Back to Education Programmes" is currently being considered in my Department.
