Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been paid the correct payment for the VTOS course they are attending; if there are arrears due to the student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11049/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides full-time second chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults in receipt of specified social welfare payments for at least six months. The scheme is funded by my Department and delivered and managed locally by Vocational Educational Committees (VECs). VTOS Students who received jobseekers' assistance/benefit payments prior to enrolling on VTOS are paid a training allowance in lieu by the local VEC. Students in receipt of other welfare payments continue to be paid directly by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

In response to my Department's enquiries, the VEC in question has advised that the VTOS participant referred to in the question is currently in receipt of the correct rate of payment. The VEC is aware of the issues with this particular case and is addressing them. The participant should contact the VEC which will deal with the matter of arrears.