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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - Adult Education.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

51 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures he is taking to provide better support for part-time and evening students whose costs and fees are not covered by their employer; the costs to the Exchequer of such supports in the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2764/01]

An estimated 140,500 students participate in part-time adult education in second-level schools each year, largely on a self-funded basis. However, figures are not available on the employment status of this group. The Department contributes some £1.3 million to the organisational start up costs of those programmes through structures for post of responsibility allowances. A further £15.416 million will be provided this year for adult literacy services and basic adult and community education. Nearly 14,600 participants avail of free adult literacy programmes, of whom about 37% are employed.

In line with proposals in the White Paper "Learning for Life", a major expansion of part- time options under Youthreach, VTOS and PLC programmes will be implemented under a back to education initiative in the further education section. Funds for this are being provided under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 in order to increase the flexibility of the system and enable participants to combine education, family and work responsibilities. It is estimated that by the end of the plan, some 20,000 extra people annually will be availing of part-time programmes in further education. Under the new initiative, which will commence shortly, it is envisaged that those in employment will pay fees, unless they are holders of medical cards, family income supplement or means-tested welfare payments, or their dependants.
The Finance Act, 1996, as amended by the Finance Act, 1997, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved part-time undergraduate courses which are of a minimum duration of two years and are followed in colleges approved for the higher education grants scheme or in colleges which satisfy the prescribed codes of standards.
In the 1997 Finance Act provision was made to extend tax relief, at the standard rate, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved part-time undergraduate courses operated by colleges in any EU member state providing distance education in the State.
In relation to the above reliefs, the maximum level of qualifying fees is £2,500.
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