Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the funding available for child care in VECs in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12591/05]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the child care facilities being provided within the vocational training opportunities scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12592/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.

My Department provides funding to VECs to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller training programmes. The funds assist direct provision of crèche facilities in centres or in rented premises, the purchase of places in existing community or commercial crèches or the payment of childminders, subject to a maximum of €63.50 per child per week. The administration of grants to participants on VTOS, Youthreach and senior traveller training programmes is a matter for individual VECs. My Department's financial allocation for child care assistance for participants on these programmes for 2005 is €5.3 million.