asked the Minister for Education the assistance which is available to persons over 26 who are unemployed and who wish to do full-time day courses in the vocational education committee colleges, to upgrade their educational qualifications; if her Department will pay the fees and book costs for people in this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Educational Courses for Unemployed.
374.
At present the long-term unemployed can attend second-level courses under the vocational training opportunities scheme free of charge while getting an allowance equal to their entitlement to social welfare payments.
I have lately extended provision for this scheme to a further ten centres and plan to extend its availability progressively on a country-wide base.
It is open to unemployed persons over 26 who wish to attend a third-level course to apply for financial support under the higher education grants scheme and the VEC scholarship scheme. They may also qualify for support from the ESF funds depending on the course they wish to follow. There is no specific scheme available which provides for meeting the costs of books.