Vol. 541 No. 5
262 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the provisions in the back to education support schemes which confine additional supports to persons undertaking full-time education, in order that persons for whom day-time courses are not a viable option would be able to avail of back to education opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23355/01]
Tuition is generally free on full-time education programmes. Training, travel and meal allowances are paid to participants on full time Youthreach, Traveller and vocational training opportunity scheme programmes. The White Paper on adult education, Learning for Life, provides for the introduction of the back to edu cation scheme, under which part-time further education options will be provided on post-leaving certificate, VTOS, Youthreach and Traveller programmes. Tuition will be free for persons or their dependants who are unemployed, medical card holders, family income supplement holders or holders of means tested welfare payments. The continued payment of welfare entitlements will be subject to the discretion of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
Persons not in the above categories who are unwaged and have less than upper secondary education will be able to access the back to education scheme on a part-time basis at a reduced charge, equal to 30% of tuition costs. All other participants will be charged fees. The aim of the scheme is to encourage increased flexibility in provision so that learners can maximise the benefit they derive from courses when combining work and family responsibilities with a return to education. In the first phase of the initiative, 4000 places will come on stream at the end of this year.
