Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - Further Education.

Pat Carey

Question:

362 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will appoint an authoritative expert body to review the organisational needs of the further education sector to identify requirements and recommend structures appropriate to the delivery of services at the levels required and address other issues in relation to teacher allocation, technicians and administrative support for further education courses in view of the contribution being made by this sector to Irish education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20082/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Tuition and other running costs for this sector are funded through a variety of grants for the PLC, Youthreach, senior traveller training centre, VTOS, and adult and community education programmes.

The Government's commitment in this area of education is evident in the Government Action Programme for the Millennium undertaking to provide equitable support of students attending PLC courses; the significant role played by PLC courses in the Government's response to meeting the skill needs of the Irish economy, particularly the recent initiative in international teleservices, which is accompanied by substantial capital investment and a new student support scheme for the cost of overseas placement; the increase of a minimum of 1,000 additional places on Youthreach and in senior traveller training centre places which is being provided in 1998, allied with a new measure to provide counselling, guidance and psychological services for participants on these programmes; the decision to have a Green Paper on Adult Education which will make recommendations on future developments in the context of expanding access to lifelong learning; and the ongoing investment in the work of the National Council for Vocational Awards and TEASTAS in providing national certification and assessment for this important sector, streamlining and regulating standards in line with industry needs.

I am confident that, over the lifetime of this Government, we will consistently demonstrate our continuing commitment to this very important area of education. I will keep the structures through which this might best be done under review.