Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:152 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to abolish fees for adults taking part-time education and evening courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3184/00]
Vol. 513 No. 6
152 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to abolish fees for adults taking part-time education and evening courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3184/00]
Any proposal to extend the free fees Initiative to adults pursuing part-time and evening courses must be considered in the light of available financial resources and competing needs in the education sector.
In this regard I understand that there is provision in the proposed new partnership agreement for a working group to be established with representation from the social partners to examine barriers to participation in third level education by mature students. The question of third level fees will arise for discussion in that context.