Vol. 554 No. 5
661 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 399 of 18 June 2002, the task force has reported; if he will consider abolishing fees for part time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16626/02]
The report of the task force on lifelong learning, which was established by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in collaboration with education, training, community and voluntary and social partner interests, is due shortly.
The abolition of fees for part-time students would have to be considered in light of the budgetary situation and in the context of other competing demands in the education system, including tackling educational disadvantage at all levels, addressing capital and equipment needs and improving support services across the system. To introduce free fees for all part-time students would be extremely costly and there are no plans at present to do so.
With regard to the further education sector, 6,000 part-time places have been introduced under the Back to Education initiative this year, in order to promote increased flexibility and enable adults, particularly those with less than upper second level education, to combine a return to learning with work or family responsibilities. Under this initiative, tuition is free for holders of medical cards, unemployment payments, family income supplement or means-tested welfare payments and their dependants. There is a reduced charge for other unwaged categories with less than upper second level education, and the remainder pay fees. The impact of this on the participation of different groups will be monitored carefully.
