Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

John Cregan

Ceist:

359 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the status of the third level access course in a VEC college, details supplied, changed from PLC to VTOS; if this course was in fact a PLC course prior to September 2003; the reason a person, details supplied, was offered a place on the course as a PLC student and then informed three days before the course was due to start that the status of the course had changed; if this person can be accepted at this or at any other college as a PLC student for this course; if not, the reason therefor; if students of both grants can be facilitated at the same time on this or on any course; and the monetary difference in the rate of grant for PLC and VTOS students. [25286/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The course referred to by the Deputy was among a wide range of courses approved by my Department under the PLC programme for 2003-04. City of Dublin VEC decided subsequently to designate the course as a core programme under the vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS.

The vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, is a second chance education and training programme which provides courses of up to two years duration for unemployed people. To be eligible for the scheme one must be over 21 years of age, unemployed for at least six months and in receipt of specific social welfare payments. A participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is entitled to a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment, equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit. VTOS students with other eligible social welfare entitlements, such as one-parent family payment, continue to receive their payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

VTOS students receive books and materials free of charge, and may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than three miles from a centre. A training bonus of €31.80 per week is also paid to students who have been in receipt of their social welfare payment for at least 12 months directly before joining VTOS. Limited child care support is also available. Students on designated PLC courses receive free tuition but they may be required to pay for books, uniforms-clothing and equipment where the items purchased become their personal property, student services, registration charges by professional bodies, examination fees and certification fees. PLC students may apply for a means tested maintenance grant. The student in question should contact the adult education organiser in City of Dublin VEC for advice regarding course options available to her.