asked the Minister for Education if she will make a statement on future Government policy on adult and continuing education.

Government policy on adult and continuing education is outlined in the recently published Programme for Action in Education 1984-1987. The report of the Commission on Adult Education will be published shortly and the Government will respond as positively as possible to the recommendations of the commission within the limits imposed by available financial resources. Adult literacy will constitute a major thrust of future policy and community education in disadvantaged areas will also be promoted.

Will the Minister state in what way it is intended that the disadvantaged will be favoured in the provision of adult education facilities? Secondly, will she consider consulting with the Minister for Social Welfare to provide that adults attending education courses will not be disqualified from receiving their social welfare benefits in a manner as applies at present? Thirdly, will she indicate what funds are likely to be available for adult education in disadvantaged areas?

On the second part of the question, I am in consultation with the Minister for Social Welfare on that matter. With regard to adult education in disadvantaged areas, I am afraid I shall have to wait until the report of the Commission on Adult Education is published, which will be in a matter of weeks, for further details so that we can see how we plan to implement the programme. That applies also to the funds available. As the Deputy is aware, it is not possible for me at this stage to allocate funds for 1985, 1986 and 1987. The Deputy can be assured that I will implement as actively as possible the report of the Commission on Adult Education.

Will the Minister go so far as to say that it is likely there will be an amendment to the existing rule regarding the disqualification from social welfare benefits of adults on education courses? I realise a decision has not been made but perhaps the Minister can indicate to the House that this will be likely?

I am afraid I cannot give such an indication at the moment because consultations are in train on this matter.

Will the Minister state how long the report of the Commission on Adult Education has been with the Department? I ask that serious consideration be given to allow people to continue to receive their benefits and, at the same time, benefit from adult education which ultimately will help their future job prospects.

In answer to the second part of that question, I can only repeat assurances of my concern in this area and the fact that I am in discussions about this very difficult problem. It is quite complex, as I am sure the Deputy is aware. The report of the Commission on Adult Education was presented to me in June 1983. It is a very large report and, as the Deputy is probably aware, when reports are presented to Government they must be circulated to all Departments for observations. Because it is such a large report many Departments took a considerable time to consider it carefully. It is now being discussed by the Government and I expect to have it published within a matter of weeks.

The Minister indicated she was somewhat restricted in what she could say until the report is published. Does she not agree that the matter of premises presents one of the greatest difficulties facing those who are registered in adult education? At the moment adult education classes can take place only in whatever facilities are available for first and second level education. In Dublin there is a problem in certain areas of decreasing numbers at first and second level. Will the Minister undertake to do what is possible, through the involvement of her Department in the schools, to make sure that resources available at first and second level will also be made available to adult education groups who are beginning to develop around the city?

That is a matter that is covered in the report of the Commission on Adult Education. The Deputy is aware that facilities are available at third level for adult education. It is not envisaged that the Department of Education will get involved in the large-scale provision of premises for adult education but obviously the full utilisation of existing resources is something that must be encouraged.

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