John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 536: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the City of Waterford Vocational Education Committee is closing many of the classes at the Adult Education Centre in Waterford City on the pretext that they are not specifically aimed at target groups; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this is a cause of great concern and upset for those currently attending the affected classes; if she has been consulted regarding the closure of these classes; if this action is in accordance with her policy regarding adult education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3962/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides annual funding for the Further and Adult Education programmes of VECs, including Community Education programmes, to which the question refers. The disbursement of Community Education funds in its area, and the establishment of priorities and criteria for doing so, are matters for each VEC. While VECs must remain within budget and submit accounts of expenditure in due course, it is not necessary for a VEC to consult the Department on operational details of Further and Adult Education programmes.

The City of Waterford VEC has informed the Department, in response to an enquiry, that no classes have actually ceased on the pretext that they are not specifically aimed at target groups.