Written answers

Tuesday, 7 February 2006

Department of Education and Science

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

9:00 pm

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her plans to extend entitlements to participate in the vocational training opportunities scheme to people returning to the workforce, although they are not in receipt of social welfare benefits; her views on whether this extension will be of benefit to mothers who wish to resume employment after a period of caring for their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4136/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, is to provide full-time second chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults who are over the age of 21 and in receipt of specified social welfare payments for at least six months. Given that demand for places from eligible applicants exceeds supply, I have no plans to change the eligibility criteria for VTOS. However, a number of other options are available to adults in further education and higher education. For example, the back to education initiative which was introduced in 2002 and is mainly administered by the vocational education committees, consists of courses similar to VTOS which are provided on a part-time basis. The intention of this initiative is to provide flexibility in the provision of the programme to meet the demand of adults wishing to return to education and training, including those who may not be eligible for VTOS. Post-leaving certificate programmes are also available to adults, as are full-time third level courses. For these two options, tuition fees are free and there are means-tested maintenance grants available.

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