485 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the VTOS grant to attend a VTOS course and have their child’s crèche facilities paid for under this scheme. [31548/06]

500 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the VTOS grant to attend a VTOS course and have their child’s crèche facilities paid for under this scheme. [31539/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 500 together.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) provides full-time second-chance education and training opportunities for unemployed adults who are in receipt of specified Social Welfare payments for at least six months (156 days) and are over 21 years of age. The Scheme is funded by my Department and operated through the 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs).

The particular Vocational Education Committee (VEC) has advised that the person named in the question has been offered and has accepted a place on VTOS. She will retain her social welfare allowance and, in addition, she will qualify for the VTOS bonus payment of €31.80 per week, meal and travel allowance. She is also eligible for funding which will assist towards child care expenses.