Vol. 408 No. 8
99 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education the criteria which are used to decide whether a particular third level or post-leaving certificate course is eligible for ESF funding; and whether she has any proposals to so fund the two-year journalism course at Ballyfermot Senior College.
Each year applications for participation in a range of ESF-aided programmes are invited in respect of all second level schools and third level VEC colleges. The criteria governing eligibility for ESF funding are set out in detail in the documentation issued to the schools and colleges. These concern the nature of the training (the course must equip trainees with the skills needed for one or more specific types of occupation in areas which support economic growth/good employment opportunities), the structure of the courses, and the category of trainee to be catered for. The criteria will vary depending on whether the courses are third level or post-leaving certificate.
My Department have not yet received an application for ESF funding for 91/92 VPT courses for Ballyfermot Senior College.
