Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

320 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the special assistance which will be given to vocational education committees that are particularly badly affected by the cut in child care allowances; the vocational education committees which are not able to meet these costs within the budgets; the Government's plans to subsidise them to ensure that VTOS participants can avail of the child care allowance; the areas in County Mayo which will be helped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25004/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Twenty seven of the 33 vocational education committees have requested additional funding in 2003 to maintain their child care services for participants in VTOS, outreach and senior Traveller centre programmes. Following a review of budgetary provision for 2003 across the range of further education programmes and supports, it has been found possible to redesignate certain elements of funding to enable supplementary grants to be allocated for child care.

My Department is at present exploring, in consultation with the vocational education committees, how the extra funds might best be distrib uted. The areas or centres in any VEC scheme that will benefit from the extra allocation will be determined by the VEC.