Tony Gregory
Ceist:124 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will withdraw the decrease of 44% in the child care budget to the City of Dublin VEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21708/03]
Written Answers. - Second Chance Education.
Since 1998 my Department has provided funding for vocational education committees to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller centre programmes. The cost of providing these supports has been rising steadily since 1998 and in the current year, the sum of the estimate by vocational education committees of their needs exceeds the amount of money available.
I appreciate that the shortage of funds for child care supports has given rise to difficulties for City of Dublin VEC and other vocational education committees. At present, I am examining the possibility of providing some special assistance for vocational education committees which are particularly badly affected, including City of Dublin VEC.