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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Feb 1995

Vol. 448 No. 6

Written Answers. - Adult and Community Based Education.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

51 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to initiate a coherent national strategy for adult and community-based education. [2623/95]

My Department has at present a coherent national strategy for adult and community based education. This is aimed at promoting adult education generally and particularly programmes for people who are disadvantaged.

Policy in this area is under consideration in the context of the forthcoming White Paper taking account of the consultative process leading up to its publication. The White Paper and the ensuing legislation will provide a firm basis for future development.

There has been a substantial expansion in programmes for disadvantaged adults in recent years. This includes programmes for those with literacy problems, those in need of basic education and unemployed people. These programmes are community based and make an important contribution to the development of communities as well as to the individuals involved. In accordance with the commitment in A Government of Renewal policy document my intention is to increase the resources devoted to this area.

The Consultative Group on Adult Education — a body representative of the main parties involved in adult education in this country and which operates under the aegis of my Department — is making an important contribution to co-ordination of adult education at national level and functions in an advisory role to my Department in the adult education area.

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