asked the Minister for Education the most recent figures in regard to the numbers involved in adult education in community/comprehensive schools and second level vocational education committee schools under (a) number of schools, (b) costs per school to the Exchequer and (c) unit costs of adult education in community/comprehensive and VEC second level schools.
Written Answers. - Adult Education.
221.
Adult education may be formal or non-formal. Formal adult education is that for which students are enrolled; by contrast non-formal adult education is that for which none of the learners is enrolled or registered. Within these constraints the following are the most recent figures available. In the school year 1984-85, 218 vocational schools and 38 community/comprehensive schools provided courses in adult education for 77,304 and 36,835 participants, respectively. The data excludes students following part time courses such as apprenticeships and professional/technical courses. The cost of adult education courses is not readily available in respect of individual schools; but adult education courses, apart from literacy and community education are, in the main, expected to be self financing. Separate unit costs in respect of adult education courses are not available.