Sir, - To help people come off social welfare benefits and get into the paid workforce, the Tanaiste could promote change in the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
This scheme is mainly for unemployed people but, following representations when it was first set up, 10 per cent of places were reserved for single parents, those with a disability and the adult dependents of insured persons. If a certain number of people do not turn up for each course, it is abandoned. As President of Cherish, I have been told that some courses are cancelled when insufficient unemployed people turn up but there were applicants from the "10 per cent" category who could have filled the places if allowed. If all were treated on an equal basis this waste of time and resources could be avoided. - Yours, etc., Senator Mary Henry, MD,
Seanad Eireann, Baile Atha Cliath 2.