John Perry
Ceist:1119 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction a VTOS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21960/01]
Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
On the basis of the information available, the person to whom the question refers does not qualify for the vocational training opportunities scheme – VTOS. The scheme is confined to adults over 21 who are in receipt of unemployment assistance-benefit, a one-parent family payment, disability allowance/benefit or signing for credits. A person must be in receipt of one of the above allowances for at least six months in order to be eligible to join the programme. Dependent spouses of these categories are also eligible. The main objectives of the VTOS are to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop their employability. The person in question is not currently in receipt of any of the qualifying welfare payments or a dependent spouse or signing for credits.