Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of places in the vocational training opportunities scheme in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively; if the number of VTOS places will be expanded in 2009; if so, the margin by which it will be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32142/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Vocational Training 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 Education Committees (VECs). The number of approved places on the scheme is 5,000 and this is the case for each of the years referred to by the Deputy. Any consideration of expanding VTOS will have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.