Vol. 573 No. 4
241 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available to Kildare VEC for 2003 in regard to child crèche facilities; if this is less than in previous years; if so, the effect of such crèche facilities losses on persons attending courses; if there has been a drop in course numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25704/03]
242 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if special assistance will be provided to Kerry VEC for child care for students on the VTOS programme at the adult education centre, Moyderwell, Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25727/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 320 of 4 November 2003. Of the 27 vocational education committees, 33 have requested additional funding in 2003 to maintain their child care services for participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller centre programmes.
Following a review of budgetary provision for 2003 across the range of further education programmes and supports, it has been found possible to redesignate certain elements of funding to enable supplementary grants to be allocated for child care.
My Department is at present exploring, in consultation with the vocational education committees, how the extra funds might best be distributed. The areas or centres in any VEC scheme that will benefit from the extra allocation will be determined by the VEC.
