Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I propose to address the issues raised by Deputies Cowley and Flynn together.

The Department of Education and Science was contacted by the chief executive officer of County Mayo Vocational Education Committee, Mr. Joseph Langan, last week on the matter. My officials requested that further details be submitted in writing. I am informed that no further communication has been received so far and we await a response.

The adult literacy services are delivered locally by vocational educational committees under the budget for the adult literacy community education scheme and the special initiatives for disadvantaged adults scheme. The national position regarding the allocations is as follows. All VECs were notified by letter from my Department on 30 March 2005 of their provision for 2005 in terms of their further education programmes. These include the adult literacy and community education programme, the back to education initiative, the vocational training opportunities scheme, post-leaving certificate courses, senior traveller training centres and Youthreach.

The provision to County Mayo VEC for the adult literacy programme in 2005 is €422,187, as against an allocation of €406,176 for 2004. This represents an increase of 10.39%, one of the highest percentage increases to any of the VECs. The corresponding increase in the overall subhead was 9%. This increase was in recognition of the demographic factors and the dispersed nature of the population in that county. VECs are expected to plan for their annual adult literacy programmes within the budget provided. With regard to its literacy budget, Mayo VEC received one instalment in April and a second instalment is due for issue this month. The number of literacy clients for 2004 was 660.

In March 2005, County Mayo Vocational Education Committee was notified by the Department of a budget allocation amounting to €529,000 in respect of back to education initiative programmes for the financial period January to December 2005. Within the BTEI programme, approval was given for 16 child care courses. Approximately 232 places and 45,405 tutor hours are being supported. An initial payment of 60% of the budget allocation, €292,002, was paid to County Mayo VEC in early May 2005. The balance of €236,998 allocated for this year is due to be paid following the receipt and reconciliation of approved financial statements from the VEC in respect of 2004.

The CEO of County Mayo VEC has recently requested a meeting with the further education development unit to discuss the financial reconciliation data. The VEC has also requested an extra €50,000 in respect of additional activity. In the event that the normal financial reconciliation is agreed between the Department and the VEC, the balance of BTEI programme funding will be issued to the VEC shortly. Requests for increased funding will not be considered at this time because the 2005 budget for the BTEI has been allocated to VECs, schools and community strand providers already.

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