Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 5

Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

116 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has fulfilled his commitment made during the demonstrations organised by the Dublin City post-primary branch of the TUI to end the series of cuts to the child care budget of the County Dublin Vocational Educational Committee, in particular in the VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller training centres, in view of the reliance of disadvantaged students on these child care arrangements to enable them to attend such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28706/03]

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

My Department provides funding to vocational education committees to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior traveller centre programmes. Twenty-seven vocational education committees, including County Dublin VEC, have requested special assistance by way of additional funding in 2003 for their child care services up to the end of 2003. These vocational education committees were asked to indicate their minimal requirements to maintain the service and this information is being analysed in my Department. Supplementary allocations will be made to vocational education committees, including County Dublin VEC, on foot of the information supplied and payments will issue in the near future.