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.