Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 4

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

128 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the opportunities at present being provided in County Laois under the vocational training opportunity scheme; if, having regard to the record to date of schemes in terms of academic achievement, personal advantage and employment opportunities, he will reconsider the exclusion of the VTOS courses from the recently launched back to education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12497/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I should like to explain that the vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, which is administered by my Department, is independent of the back to education allowance scheme, which operates under the auspices of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

My Department is currently considering the question of bringing the rate of training allowance payable to VTOS participants into line with that paid for the back to education allowance scheme.

I am aware of the very successful VTOS programme being operated by the County Laois Vocational Education Committee.