I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 63 and 109 together.
In December 1989, I made regulations which allow long term unemployed persons to take up full-time education courses while at the same time continuing to receive their unemployment payments. Long term unemployed persons, over age 21, may now participate in second level courses such as the intermediate, group and leaving certificates, some city and guilds courses and other courses leading to a certificate recognised by the Department of Education. Courses may be pursued at any approved centre. This latest facility to pursue education courses complements the vocational training opportunities scheme and the part-time education initiative. Together, these initiatives make the pursuance of further education a real option for unemployed persons.
I do not have details of the number of persons who are availing of the facilities to undertake full-time or part-time education courses. In most cases permission to participate in these courses is sought and granted at local level. In relation to the vocational training opportunities scheme which is administered by the Department of Education, the scheme is operating in 13 centres with about 200 participants. It is planned to progressively expand the number of centres throughout the country.
I intend to cater for those who wish to pursue third level education by introducing a pilot scheme permitting participation in these courses while continuing to receive unemployment payments. The scheme will be primarily aimed at older, long term unemployed persons. Details of the pilot scheme are being finalised at present and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement shortly.
My Department are currently preparing an information leaflet on educational opportunities for the unemployed. Within the next few weeks leaflets will be made available to local and public offices by my Department, unemployed centres and VEC's.