(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the serious concern caused by the issuing of Circular F36/'82 on adult education charges; if he will review the situation with a view to modifying the terms of the circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Adult Education Charges.
650.
Circular F36/'82 was issued in accordance with normal practice to inform vocational education committees of the situation in relation to the provision made in the Vote for vocational education in the relevant year and making reference to the position in regard to the charging of tuition fees for certain courses.
The committees were informed that the financial allocations made to them for 1982 were made on the basis that tuition fees as appropriate to 1981-82 for all full-time third-level students as well as full-time day courses in respect of which fees are charged, will be increased by 25 per cent with effect from 1 September next and that fees for part-time courses will similarly be increased by 25 per cent with effect also from the commencement of the 1982-83 session.
It was requested that in the case of adult education classes a system of minimum hourly rates be introduced as from the 1982-83 school-year and such rates, ranging from 80p per hour to 130p per hour, were specified in the circular. In deciding on the rates to be specified regard was had to the information available in regard to the rates already being charged for various courses by different committees. It was considered desirable to have standardised minimum rates so as to lead to more uniformity of practice as between the committees. The amounts of such minimum rates of fee to be charged had regard to the provision made for the service of vocational education in the vote for 1982.