Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 3

Written Answers - Adult Education.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

387 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a member of the public and her public representation have been ignored by a public body (details supplied); if he will ensure that the refund due to the person concerned is paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I understand that the refund in this case refers to an application made to a VEC for refund of adult education course fees. My Department has been in contact with the VEC concerned, which is the responsible body in this case, and I understand the vocational education committees position in relation to the refund sought is as follows.

As the overall programme of part-time evening courses is required to be self-financing, minimum class numbers are set and refunds are not allowed subsequent to enrolment. To ensure maximum information-understanding for potential students, advisers are present on enrolment night to assist applicants in relation to the subject matter of a course and in respect of the conditions pertaining to enrolments, including the fact that fees are not refundable.

In this case, the VEC has indicated that a fee refund application and letter of appeal was sub mitted by the applicant. A full response was made to the applicant on 8 June 1999. In its response the VEC advised that, although a refund of fees was not available, it was prepared to offer the applicant a place on any of its evening courses for the year 1999-2000, subject to viability.

I also understand from the VEC that inquiries by the Deputy were responded to by the former chief executive officer on 8 April 1999 and 18 June 1999.