Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 601: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the reduction in the academic year for the back to education adult education programme for Travellers in Rathkeale, County Limerick. [12621/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Back to Education Initiative (part- time) a programme may be offered for as little as one hour per week or as much as 17 hours per week, depending on the needs and demands of the prospective learners. It is recommended that programme duration for individual learners (class contact hours) not exceed 400 hours per annum i.e. 400 hours over a twelve month period.

BTEI (Part-time) provision is offered by Co. Limerick VEC at Rathkeale Community Centre. In 2006, Co. Limerick VEC applied for in excess of 400 hours for provision of a programme at this centre and were informed that 400 hours per annum was the maximum permitted under the part-time option. They subsequently submitted an amended application proposing to offer a programme of 400 tuition hours. This was sanctioned and the programme was undertaken.

Co. Limerick VEC has submitted an application for 2007 which proposes working with two groups in Rathkeale for 400 hours each. This application has been sanctioned by my Department.