49 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Education if he is considering plans for the extension of the VTOS programmes to allow a greater number of the unemployed to return to full time education; if he will outline the number of places expected to be available; when it will come into operation; if he will give details of the additional resources which will be allocated and the teaching jobs created; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As I announced recently, an additional 500 places are being provided this coming autumn under the Vocational Training Opportunity Scheme operated through the vocational education committees. Additional funding will be provided to the vocational education committees in question in accordance with the established provisions of the scheme. It is estimated that the equivalent of an additional 25 teaching jobs will result from this expansion.

The further expansion of this very successful scheme is being considered.