asked the Minister for Education the steps she proposes to take to resolve immediately the impasse regarding the non-payment of ESF grants to second and third level students.
447.
Written Answers. - Payment of ESF Grants.
446.
asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that thousands of students in pre-employment courses in second level schools still have not received their ESF grants; that this is causing great hardship and concern to the students involved; the measures she is taking to rectify this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
448.
asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of recent arrangements which will ensure that there will be no further problems in relation to ESF grant payments at the regional technical college, Letterkenny, County Donegal.
449.
asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the hardship being caused to students in Sligo Regional College through the non-payment of grants; and the steps she will take to end the dispute causing this hardship and to have the grants paid.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 to 449, inclusive, together.
My Department had discussions with the relevant interests with a view to ensuring that payment of allowances to participants in the programmes in question was not withheld. Following these discussions the union representing clerical and administrative staff in the vocational education committees indicated their willingness to suspend action. Payment of the allowances has since been duly made.