Vol. 516 No. 2
52 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on a recent report of the decline in interest in the VTOS among those at whom its education and training initiatives are directed; and the proposals, if any, he has to make the programme more flexible and attractive. [7138/00]
Participation in VTOS has increased from 4,753 in October 1998 to 5,169 at present. A cause of concern, however, is that, while the programme was designed for unemployed people who have had minimal or no qualifications, an increasing proportion of participants seeking to join the programme have completed second-level education.
In order to address this, a study has been commissioned by the Department to identify and report on the outreach, recruitment, delivery and support strategies which are most effective in catering for those most in need. A draft report has been completed and is being examined with a view to finalisation. The report highlights a range of factors that have contributed in part to a decrease in participation in VTOS among those for whom it was designed. Among the factors highlighted are that since VTOS was first introduced, there has been a major expansion of State investment in work experience and work incentive schemes such as the community employment scheme and the back to work allowance scheme.
Measures have been introduced as an incentive to encourage greater participation of long-term unemployed people in the scheme. The rates of allowances payable under the back to education allowance scheme and VTOS were equalised in 1998 and the 10% quota limiting participation of dependent spouses, lone parents and those with disabilities was abolished. A training bonus of £25 per week was introduced last September for participants registered as long-term unemployed prior to starting their programme. A scheme of grants for child care has been provided in order to facilitate the attendance of people who would otherwise be prevented from doing so by child care responsibilities.
