Vol. 576 No. 5
244 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse his decision to cut funding to the CDVEC childcare budget by 44% in view of the great difficulties this is having on adults returning to education. [29740/03]
249 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of Traveller students who are affected by the decision to cut the childcare allowance of those on training and education programmes in various VEC areas. [29764/03]
250 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons who were affected by the cuts to the childcare budget for VTOS students for each VEC area. [29765/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 249 and 250 together.
My Department provides funding to vocational education committees to assist towards the childcare expenses of participants in VTOS, youthreach and senior Traveller centre programmes. Some 27 vocational education committees requested special assistance by way of additional funding in respect of 2003 for their childcare services. These vocational education committees were asked to indicate their minimal requirements to maintain the service. Supplementary allocations have been issued to the vocational education committees on foot of the information supplied.
