Adult Education Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2019

Thursday, 7 February 2019

Questions (119)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

119. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a course (details supplied) will go ahead in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6122/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I understand that Kerry ETB recommends a minimum of 13 learners starting on any new Back To Education Initiative (BTEI) course offering a QQI Major award to maximise utilisation of resources. Officials in my Department have consulted with Kerry ETB, who have advised that there were 5 applicants for the course in question, and unfortunately this was not a viable number to run the course.

In certain cases the local manager may decide to run the course with 10 learners if there is a strong rationale for doing so. However, these are exceptional cases, and would only apply to the running of a new pilot course to establish emerging trends and demands.

Kerry ETB have said that all courses are advertised in the local community and it is stated that the course starting is subject to sufficient numbers applying.