John Perry
Question:484 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an application by a person (details supplied) to commence a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23664/01]
Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
On the basis of the information available, the person to whom the question refers does not qualify for the vocational training opportunities scheme. The scheme is confined to adults over 21 who are in receipt of unemployment assistance/benefit, a one parent family payment, disability allowance/benefit or signing for credits. A person must be in receipt of one of the above allowances for at least six months in order to be eligible to join VTOS. Dependent spouses of these categories are also eligible. The main objectives of the VTOS scheme are to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability.
The person in question is not currently in receipt of a social welfare payment, is not a dependent spouse of a person in receipt of a social welfare payment, or signing for credits, and therefore is not eligible to apply for a VTOS programme. County Sligo VEC runs post-leaving certificate programmes. The person in question may apply for one of these courses.
Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 483.