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Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2004

Wednesday, 24 November 2004

Questions (220)

Richard Bruton

Question:

218 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has made provision for changes in the back to education VTOS scheme in the 2005 Estimates; and the provisions which will apply in 2005. [30652/04]

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Written answers

The vocational training opportunities scheme is funded by my Department and delivered through the vocational education committees. It is a second chance education and training programme which provides courses of up to two years' duration for unemployed people. To be eligible for the scheme, one must be more than 21 years of age, unemployed for at least six months, and in receipt of specific social welfare payments. A participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is paid a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment.

I do not envisage any changes to the VTOS scheme for 2005.

The VTOS has a current annual cost of approximately €53 million, which covers teachers' and co-ordinators' pay, training allowances to eligible participants, and overhead costs incurred by VECs.

The provision for 2005 will allow for the continuation of 5,000 places.

Questions Nos. 219 to 221, inclusive, answered with Question No. 206.
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