asked the Minister for Education if community and comprehensive schools are obliged to provide adult education; and, if so, if all schools comply with this obligation.
Written Answers. - Adult Education.
168.
Deed of trust for community schools stipulates that one of the objectives of the schools is to provide ongoing education for members of the local community on a self-financing basis. There is no similar legal provision in the case of comprehensive schools.
I am satisfied that the community and comprehensive schools are meeting their responsibilities in this area.
169.
asked the Minister for Education if her Department make any allocation specifically to the boards of management of community and comprehensive schools to enable them to fulfil their obligations in regard to the provision of adult education.
My Department do not make an allocation in respect of adult education to the boards of management of community and comprehensive schools. These schools provide adult education on a self-financing basis. It is also open to them to make proposals to VECs seeking an allocation from their adult literacy and community education budgets to enable them to provide courses free of charge or at a reduced rate for those in poor circumstances.
170.
asked the Minister for Education the number of vocational schools which (a) provide adult education for more than two nights each week and (b) provide adult education during the day.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available at present but I will arrange to have it supplied to him.
171.
asked the Minister for Education if she has any information on the proportion of those who register for adult education courses and who give up the course after three or four weeks.
I do not have such information and it would not be readily obtainable.