Billy Timmins
Question:158 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science, if he will increase the allowance for VTOS students in view of the £25 increase to participants of FÁS training schemes. [13870/99]
Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Brian O'Shea
Question:162 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 328 of 18 May 1999, when a decision will be reached on the way in which the situation in relation to VTOS will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13890/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 162 together.
More than 1,000 representations have been received from or on behalf of VTOS students so I am very much aware of the importance of equality of treatment in terms of training allowances on various schemes so that participants can make a free choice as to which programme best meets their needs. The House will be aware that the rates of allowances on VTOS and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs back to education schemes were equalised in 1998.
With effect from 26 April 1999, an additional £25 per week is payable to participants on FÁS courses who were registered as long-term unemployed prior to starting their programme. I am examining how best the situationvis-à-vis VTOS can be addressed. In addition, the terms of VTOS will be reviewed shortly in the context of a consultancy study currently being undertaken with a view to making the scheme more effective in reaching those who are most marginalised.
It is expected that this study will be completed towards the end of the year.