Vol. 382 No. 3
asked the Minister for Education the proposals she has for the reintroduction of an accredited system of distance learning, particularly in relation to third level courses; if any feasibility study has been done on the possibility of developing educational television, as was promised in the Fianna Fáil election manifesto; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
23.
asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the present state of educational broadcasting in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the future development which she envisages.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 23 together.
I am not sure what the Deputy means by the reintroduction of an accredited system of distance learning. Courses through distance learning are at present being provided under our National Distance Education Council. This includes courses leading to diploma and degree awards in information technology from the National Council for Educational Awards.
The National Distance Education Council is at present examining the provision of further courses leading to awards, including degrees. The Deputy has also raised the matter of developing educational television and broadcasting generally. As I stated in the Dáil on 11 June, 1987, in reply to Question No. 29, progress in this area is contingent on the requisite resources being available and in view of the current heavy financial commitments in the educational sector overall and the constraints on public expenditure generally, it would not be feasible to undertake any further commitments at present.
