Jim Kemmy
Question:50 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Education whether she intends to provide greater resources for adult education agencies, particularly in the light of the increasing unemployment figures.
Written Answers. - Adult Education Agencies.
There have been very substantial increases in funding to the VEC's in the last few years for the vocational training and opportunities scheme, which is a scheme for the long term unemployed, and for the adult literacy and community education scheme. I am providing a substantial increase in funding again this year for the vocational training and opportunities scheme, together with increased funding for the adult literacy and community education scheme.
Important initiatives for disadvantaged adults and in particular for the long term unemployed will be taken under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. Education agencies will be involved in these initiatives in co-operation with the other parties concerned. I have also provided significant additional funding for adult education bodies in recent years and I am increasing the grants for a number of these bodies again this year.