Vol. 504 No. 5
155 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the anomaly which exists for participants on VTO scheme courses who will not receive the training allowance increase of £25 per week being paid to people on FÁS courses (details supplied); the reason this allowance is not payable to these participants; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure this anomaly is rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12510/99]
165 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent announcement of increased payments for certain participants in FÁS training schemes; the plans, if any, he has to extend a similar increase to participants on the VTO scheme; his views on whether a failure to pay these increases would be equitable and lead to a disincentive on VTO scheme take-ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12407/99]
169 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a disparity in training allowances between those engaged in FÁS training schemes and those of the VTO scheme participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12439/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 165 and 169 together.
I am aware of the new training bonus for long-term unemployed people on FÁS training courses. I have no plans at present to extend this increase to VTO scheme participants.
The terms of the VTO scheme will be reviewed shortly in the context of a consultancy study currently being undertaken with a view to making the scheme more effective in reaching its target group.
