§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the Department of Education for Northern Ireland has taken in relation to the provision of women-only courses and to the provision of courses on non-traditional skills; and what support services have been provided to enable women to attend such courses.
§ Dr. MawhinneyIt is a matter for further education colleges to determine what courses they should provide. However, the Department of Education has encouraged colleges, when making course provision, to consider the particular needs of women who wish to re-enter the work force following absence owing to family and home responsibilities. A number of colleges provide child care arrangements to facilitate the enrolment of women.