John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 747: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that participation in a VTOS course, is resulting in Waterford County Council disallowing persons from participating in the refuse charges waiver scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9406/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme is a second chance education initiative for unemployed persons which is funded by my Department. It is operated through the Vocational Education Committees.

The aims of the Scheme are to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop and prepare them to go into paid employment or on to further opportunities leading to paid employment.

A VTOS allowance is paid by the VECs to students who previously drew unemployment benefit or assistance. The student ceases to receive an unemployment payment and instead receives a VTOS training allowance at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit, plus a payment for an adult or child dependant if appropriate. VTOS students also retain their social welfare secondary benefits.

I have become aware of the case referred to in the question. However, the operation of the refuse charge waiver scheme is for individual local authorities. My Department has made enquiries with Waterford County Council about the matter and been informed that only certain means-tested social welfare payments, which do not include VTOS, are accepted by the Council.