To ask the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps will be taken to ensure that the funding changes within further education do not deter adult learners from engaging in recreational learning; and to detail how he intends to ensure that lifelong learning continues to be promoted throughout society.

The new funding model used to distribute the FE Recurrent Grant to colleges does not deter people from engaging in recreational learning. While the Department for Employment and Learning sets the strategic framework for the Further Education sector in Northern Ireland, each college is responsible for its own curriculum offer. Recreational courses will continue to be subsidised by the Department, although this type of provision has always been subject to a lower level of funding. In addition, FE colleges, as incorporated bodies, have their own fees policies. It is for individual colleges to decide which of their recreational courses they charge a fee for, and how they structure their charges for such courses.

As part of the implementation of the “Further Education Means Business” strategy, the Department is developing a new policy for curriculum delivered by colleges. Key elements of the policy will be to ensure that an appropriate balance is achieved between college provision that supports the economy and promotes social cohesion, and that learners are supported as appropriate throughout their lives. The new curriculum policy will be the subject of public consultation and equality impact assessment later this year, prior to its implementation from the 2008/09 academic year onwards.