Mary Harney
Question:52 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the definite plans, if any, to expand community education programmes which are to be aided by her Department.
Written Answers. - Community Education Programmes.
My Department has provided substantial additional funding in recent years for community education programmes such as the adult literacy and community education scheme, the vocational training opportunity scheme, Youthreach, special initiatives for disadvantaged adults and a scheme of financial support for participants in education courses under Department of Social Welfare schemes. I am making provision this year for significant increases in funding in these areas. External evaluations of the adult literacy and community education scheme and the vocational training opportunities scheme are expected to be finalised shortly. These will make valuable contributions to the improved operation and development of the schemes.
I attach great importance to the community based second-chance education schemes concerned here as a means of helping those who are disadvantaged. My Department is keeping the effectiveness of the schemes under ongoing review in consultation with those who are operating them and I am committed to their further expansion as resources permit.