asked the Minister for Education if he will direct that immediate funding be made available for the continuation of a course at an institution (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason these funds have been curtailed recently; if he is aware of the importance of this course; the amount of money he will make available for 1986; if he will confirm that this course will be available in future years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Course.
20.
The part-time teaching scheme which hitherto operated at the institution in question was established in 1976 to cater for the educational needs of a number of children of school-going age who were long-term patients there. The subjects taught were general school subjects. The present position is that there are no longer any children of school-going age resident in the hospital and it is understood that the teaching service was being utilised to provide cookery and kitchen management classes for adult patients.
The hospital teaching schemes operated directly by my Department do not cater for adult pupils. The provision of adult education is a matter for the vocational education committee. The hospital authorities have been so informed.
An application has recently been received from County Galway Vocational Education Committee for teaching staff allocation in respect of a course in crafts being conducted in the institution in question. The application is being processed in my Department.