Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007
890 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the type of information technology training provided within the adult or further education sectors for students or adults who have learning difficulties or who are affected by illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10319/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdult and Further Education services are funded by my Department through annual grants and delivered locally by the Vocational Education Committees. The disbursement of funds for Adult and Further Education is a matter for each VEC, which, subject to its budget, decides the nature and extent of the Adult and Further Education services to be provided in its area and the manner in which funds for these services should be spent. The organisation and location of courses are also matters for decision by the VECs. There are no Information Technology courses provided specifically for adults with learning difficulties or suffering from illness.
Education and training programmes in the Adult and Further Education sector, including the Adult Literacy, Youthreach, VTOS and Senior Traveller Training programmes incorporate Information Technology (ICT)-related modules as an integral part of the course.
In addition to the VEC sector, literacy tuition is provided for deaf people by way of a grant to the Irish Deaf Society. Computer training is incorporated into the tuition provided.
