COMMUNITY education courses could return the Government’s €10 million investment almost threefold in the benefits from increased volunteering alone, research has suggested.

STRATEGIC thinning of forestry plantations gives farmers greater flexibility to sell at peak prices, according to Teagasc experts hosting a nationwide series of advisory workshops next week.

EDUCATION Minister Mary Coughlan has refused to rule out a hike in college registration fees.

The recent rise in mature student applications through the CAO may be a false dawn, according to the National Adult Learning Organisation AONTAS.

PROTESTING students have described, as “juvenile”, a row between lecturers and management at Waterford Institute of Technology which has prevented Christmas exam results from being issued.

COURSES for adults should have been given the same protection as school funding in the budget, according to the body representing city and county Vocational Education Committees (VECs).

A BAN on public service recruitment is worsening the crisis facing people seeking adult education services, it was claimed yesterday.

FOR the first time men are out-stripping the numbers of woman seeking help for basic reading and writing skills.

PARENTS in Dublin have seen the cost of childcare increase by more than 15% in the past two years.

An adult learning group is criticising the Government over the possible re-introduction of college fees.

THE seed was sown by an adult education programme but a Clare community has received a top award after branching out with its own horticulture project.

THE cold and rain failed to deter about 12,000 people from voicing their anger over education cutbacks outside Leinster House last night.

MODERN technology and a lack of suitable rural transport are the biggest obstacles to older people returning to education, research has found.

AN INVESTMENT of up to €500 million per year will be needed from the Government if it is to meet the target of more than seven in 10 Leaving Cert students going on to further education by 2020.

CONVENIENCE retailer Gala is investing €40 million in 35 new stores next year, creating 400 jobs.

The National Association of Adult Education is mounting a pre-election campaign to demand improved resources for people who decide to return to study.

SEAN HAUGHEY’S newfound ministerial status may have come as a political relief, but some weighty issues will keep him on his feet at the Department of Education between now and next year’s general election.

WORKERS in small and medium companies should be given leave paid by the Government to undertake training, a business group has claimed.

THE number of young people receiving third-level qualifications in Ireland compares well with other countries, the OECD has found.

YOU provided comprehensive coverage of the recent Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report on the post-Leaving Cert sector (Irish Examiner, August 31).

The National Association of Adult Education (AONTAS) has called for at least 10% of the education budget to be spent on adult education.

PEOPLE from more than 40 different nationalities are now attending adult education classes in Clare.

Ten per cent of the Government’s annual education budget should be invested in learning and literacy programmes for adults.

Wholesalers Barry's of Mallow have announced plans for the development of a €10m distribution centre for chilled and frozen food.

Aontas, the national association for adult education, has called for more women to be appointed to State boards and committee.

Research conducted by Aontas, the national association for adult education, has found that men are reluctant to resume their studies in later life because it is not "macho" enough.