Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

In earlier replies to Deputies Brian Hayes and Quinn, the Minister clearly indicated the allocation of funds for sections within her Department. Nowhere however, did she indicate what additional funding was being provided for lifelong learning and adult education despite her commitments in the Towards 2016 partnership programme to put in place a targeted fund to alleviate the fees for part-time third level courses for those at work who have not previously benefitted from third level education. Her reply never mentioned a statement to the effect she will honour this commitment.

As for early school leavers, the Minister promised 1,000 places in 2008 for Youthreach. While she informed Members earlier that there are no cutbacks, her reply, which referred to a provision of less than half that commitment, clearly indicates a cutback provision.

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