Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Austin Deasy

Question:

380 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider allowing spouses who are not signing on the live register to partake in vocational training opportunities schemes to allow them to re-train for re-entry into the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14923/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, 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. The VTOS, which is operated through the 33 vocational education committees, has a total of 5,000 places filled annually.

In 1998, a quota, which limited the participation of dependent spouses of people eligible to join VTOS, and other categories of people, was removed to support wider access. The latest statistics show that 1.86% of VTOS participants are dependent spouses of people eligible to join VTOS. VTOS is targeted specifically at the unemployed, and there are no plans at present to widen access to the programme.

Participation in full-time education on post-leaving certificate courses and on third level national certificate, diploma and primary degree programmes is free, and there are means-tested maintenance grants available. The forthcoming expansion of part-time options under the back to education initiative will increase the availability of flexible re-entry options to further education. Provision will be free for people and their dependants who are in receipt of medical cards, means-tested welfare payments, or family income supplement. In addition, there will be fee relief for other categories who are unwaged and who have less than upper second level education. Plans are under way to implement the programme later this year.