Louis J. Belton
Question:42 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase participation in adult education courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7501/98]
Written Answers. - Adult Education.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:83 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to increase participation in adult education courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7500/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 83 together.
Adult education courses are provided in the main by vocational education committees. Some of these courses are self-financing. Others are provided with grants from my Department under its adult literacy and community education scheme.
I am increasing the provision for the adult literacy and community education scheme by £2 million in 1998. This is almost a doubling of the 1997 allocation. The increased provision will be used exclusively for adult literacy. It should enable vocational education committees to enhance participation in their literacy courses. I will continue to increase funding in this area as resources become available.
The general question of access to and participation in adult education will be a feature of the forthcoming Green Paper on Adult Education.