Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the ongoing development of the VTOS programme here; if her Department has proposals to expand the VTOS programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34968/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Vocational Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides full-time second chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults who are at least 21 years of age and in receipt of specified social welfare payments for at least six months. The scheme is funded by my Department and operated through the 33 Vocational Educational Committees (VECs).

Students on VTOS are offered a wide range of vocational options. Participants may also pursue subjects in the Junior and leaving certificate or acquire a portfolio of qualifications in line with their needs and interests. The scheme has proved to be successful in opening up learning and progression opportunities for people marginalised by unemployment. My Department provides funding to VECs annually to assist with childcare expenses of VTOS participants.

In 2005, over 71% of students who completed the course in that year, progressed to employment or further education and training. Expenditure on the non-pay element of the VTOS programme in 2005 was just in excess of €38 million. The authorised number of places that can be filled on the scheme annually is 5,000. There are no plans to increase this number.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of participants currently enrolled in VTOS programmes in County Kildare; the number of participants in such programmes; if her Department has received requests for further VTOS provision in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34969/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is delivered locally by Vocational Education Committees (VECs) with funding from my Department, which authorises a given number of VTOS places to be filled annually by each VEC. Co. Kildare VEC has an allocation of 270 VTOS places for the academic year 2006/7. I can confirm that a request for an additional 20 VTOS places was received from Co. Kildare VEC in April of this year but that it was not possible to sanction these extra places.