Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2005
65 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science when proposals will be brought forward to ensure that every person who leaves school early will be offered the opportunity to undertake adult education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7872/05]
View answerMy Department's White Paper on adult education, "Learning for Life", identified the need for targeted interventions so as to encourage and support the participation of certain priority groups in adult education. In particular, the White Paper highlighted the allocation of additional resources to address adult literacy needs and the need to provide increased opportunities for adult learners, prioritising the needs of those with less than upper secondary education.
These opportunities are provided by my Department through the availability of a range of second chance education programmes for young people and adults alike who have either left school early or who need further vocational training to enhance their employment prospects. These programmes are provided mainly by the vocational education committees but also in schools and colleges and by community based education groups. The programmes supported by my Department are complemented by a range of courses provided by FÁS and other education and training providers.
Expenditure on further and adult education will rise to approximately €138 million in 2005, representing an increase of €10 million, or nearly 8%, over the provision for 2004. It will provide for an expansion of existing services in the sector in the coming year. A further sum of more than €50 million will be expended on staff salaries in VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller training centres. The increases provided in the 2005 Estimates include an additional €2.5 million for adult literacy. Indeed, expenditure on adult literacy programmes has increased 18 fold since 1997.
