Vol. 523 No. 1
1008 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, in his Department to give sanction for the creation of part-time education for Drogheda; if he has received a submission following the survey carried out on the need for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19711/00
New part-time education provision in further education will be provided under a back to education initiative through a major expansion of part-time Youthreach, VTOS and PLC courses. The initiative is aimed primarily at adults in the population who have not completed upper second level education. Access to information and communications technology training, language skills, enterprise development, business, tourism, art and craft, child care, and a broad range of disciplines within the industry and services sector as well as junior and leaving certificate options will form part of the initiative. At present a working group is finalising the details for the operation of the initiative with a view to imple mentation on a national basis before the end of the year.
In the interim, my Department is in discussion with County Louth VEC regarding its proposals for the introduction of part-time options under the scheme.
