Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 6

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Louis J. Belton

Question:

243 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the training allowance for VTOS students will be increased by an extra £25 per week which would be equal to the FÁS training allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14266/99]

Denis Naughten

Question:

250 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is a discrepancy between the training allowance paid to individuals on a FÁS course and those on a VTOS course; the plans, if any, he has to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14289/99]

Denis Naughten

Question:

251 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an individual on a VTOS course receives £25 per week less than an individual on a FÁS course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/99]

Denis Naughten

Question:

252 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide additional funding to ensure that the allowance for VTOS students is brought in line with that of a person on a FÁS training course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14291/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243, 250, 251 and 252 together.

With effect from 26 April 1999 an additional £25 per week is payable to participants on FÁS courses who were registered as long-term unem ployed prior to starting their programme. I am examining how best the situationvis-à-vis VTOS participants can be addressed.

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.

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. This, in effect, means that people who are in receipt of unemployment payments prior go going on VTOS are paid a training allowance equivalent to the maximum standard rate of unemployment benefit.