Adult Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2012

Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Ceisteanna (84)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

84. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the funding of a programme (details supplied) which has announced that it is due to close on 31 October with the loss of nine jobs due to a cessation of funding from Offaly VEC; if he will consider in his review the additional costs that these nine job losses will bring on the State, the great service that this programme has provided to the families and children of counties Offaly and Kildare since its establishment in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39614/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

My Department funds adult and community education through annual grants to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) which deliver these courses locally. The disbursement of funds is a matter for each VEC which, subject to its budget, decides the nature and extent of the adult and community education courses to be provided in its area. The organisation and location of courses are also matters for decision by the VECs. In this case, it is a matter for Co Offaly VEC to make decisions on the funding of adult and community education programmes.