Bernard J. Durkan
Question:126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when allowances, including travel allowances, are likely to be increased for VTOS students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16069/04]
View answerThursday, 27 May 2004
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A participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is entitled to a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment that is paid by vocational education committees. VTOS students with other eligible social welfare entitlements, such as one-parent family payment, continue to receive their payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. VTOS students receive books and materials free of charge and may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than three miles from a centre. The rates of the travel allowance are equivalent to those paid to participants on FÁS training courses. They are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates; current rates are in operation since 2002.