Vol. 492 No. 7
54 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason VTOS courses are excluded from the back to education scheme, in view of the fact that VTOS programmes are the only courses specifically designed to cater for the individual needs of the long-term unemployed; and if he will review this. [14982/98]
326 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a favourable decision in relation to bringing the rates of allowance payable to VTOS participants into line with those paid by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs' back to education programme currently being considered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15284/98]
363 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide additional funding to the vocational training opportunities schemes, to remove the current disparity between this scheme and the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15268/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 326 and 363 together.
I should like to explain that the vocational training opportunities scheme, which is administered by my Department, is independent of the back to education allowance scheme, which operates under the auspices of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
I am pleased to say, however, that the VTOS training allowance rates have recently been brought into line with those paid to participants of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs' back to education allowance scheme.
