asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the increase of adult education extra-mural course fees in the National College of Art and Design in the academic years 1976-77 and 1977-78; the fall in numbers attending such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is the policy of the authorities of the National College of Art and Design that extra-mural courses should be self-supporting. An Bord increased the fees for this purpose for 1976-77 and 1977-78. Though there has been a fall in enrolments as compared to 1976-77, the number enrolled in the present academic year 1977-78—over 600—is approximately the same as in the academic year 1974-75. I may add that as a designated institution the college receives its finances through the Higher Education Authority and that it has discretion in relation to the purposes for which it allocates its financial resources.

In relation to the emphasis being put on second-chance education, does the Minister agree that adult education and extra-mural courses in the college should be self-financing in view of the obvious benefits to society? Further, is the Minister aware that there has been a substantial falling-off in the courses this year as compared with last year and that they are not achieving the purpose for which they were established?

I agree that second-chance education—being a second-chancer myself—is very important. I have said that the National College of Art and Design is a designated institution as of now and, consequently, the board have the authority and power to deploy their resources in any way they wish. They may do so to reduce the fees for evening students if they so wish.

May we take it that the Minister's attitude in relation to adult education courses in the college in so far as they should be self-financing is a reflection of his view in relation to all adult education?

I would remind the Deputy that the person who decided that these courses should be self-financing was a Minister of his Government. The decision was not taken by me. I am telling him now that as a designated institution the National College of Art and Design can so deploy their finances that there is an easement for evening students. I will not have any reflection on my policy in that regard.

I asked the Minister if he was carrying on that policy. Obviously the answer is yes.

I will make provision for the National College of Art and Design through the Higher Education Authority and they may use the funds in easement of those students. It is my desire to make as much money available to the National College of Art and Design as is possible in order to help it in its very important national mission. I do not think the Deputy is doing very much to help.

6.