Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

341 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the payment of an additional £25 per week training bonus to some but not all of participants in the vocational training opportunities scheme is a source of divisiveness; the reason the same level of funding is not made available to all participants in this scheme, irrespective of time on unemployment assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6542/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

In April 1999, a training bonus of £25 per week was introduced for FÁS participants who were registered as long-term unemployed prior to starting their programme, i.e. at least 12 months unemployed. This allowance was later approved for eligible VTOS participants, including those on a one-parent family payment and those in receipt of a disability payment who have been in receipt of their respective payment for at least 12 months also.

The bonus was introduced as an incentive to encourage greater participation of those hardest to reach, i.e. long-term unemployed people, in education and training programmes. The effect of the incentive in prioritising access for the long-term unemployed would be dissipated if the bonus were applied equally to all participants.