Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:473 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by members and staff of vocational education committees regarding comments by the Minister of State in a newspaper of 5 May 1998 (details supplied) suggesting that adult education be removed from the remit of the vocational education committees; if it is Government policy that adult education be removed from the remit of the vocational education committees; his views on the outstanding record of achievement of the vocational education committees in this sector; his views on whether with its knowledge and experience it is best placed to deliver an expanded adult education service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11836/98]