Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of students enrolled in further education courses nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39548/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The data requested by the Deputy are set out in the following tabular statement.

This Government is strongly committed to improving participation and achievement at every level of education. We have put the resources and supports in place to ensure that there is a wide range of course options available for people who wish to continue their studies after second level and for people returning to education later in life.

The Estimates include provision for the cost of the extra 100 teaching posts being provided for the post-leaving certificate courses in the current academic year. They also provide for an increase of 19% in the VTOS non-pay grant in 2006.

The Government has shown a sustained determination to expand and improve further adult education over recent years. We believe strongly in the value of this sector and will continue to prioritise it for resources and supports in the years ahead.