Vol. 530 No. 6
408 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase the level of non-pay funding for the VTOS programme under the auspices of County Kilkenny VEC adult education service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4497/01]
409 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase funding for VTOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4498/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.
The vocational training opportunities scheme was established in 1989 with the objective of providing second-chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults over the age of 21 and in receipt of an unemployment payment for at least six months. Participants in VTOS cease to receive unemployment payments and are paid training allowances of at least an equivalent amount. They are also paid travelling expenses, where they reside three miles from the centre, and a meal allowance in line with those payable by FÁS.
About 5,000 people participate annually in the vocational training opportunities scheme at an annual cost to the State of £32 million. The vocational training opportunities scheme has proved successful in opening up learning and progression opportunities for people who have been marginalised by unemployment. For each of the years 1994 to 2000, the percentage of participants who completed the programme and who progressed to work or further education was 70% or more.
The funding referred to in the questions is the grant paid by my Department to vocational education committees for expenditure on such items as light, heat, rent, books and equipment and other general expenses. The rate of the grant is £15,000 per core group of 20 VTOS students.
