Individual Learning Account scheme to be reviewed

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren, has confirmed that the national scheme of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) is being reviewed in Northern Ireland.

In the meantime the scheme will be suspended. Dr Farren said: "This scheme has been successful in meeting its initial aim of attracting more people back into learning. Since its introduction in Northern Ireland in September 2000, just over 33,000 Northern Ireland people have used their ILA cards toward the cost of a wide range of part- time education and training courses.

"Our priority now is to see how we can best target those who need most help; those who are in anyway disadvantaged; and those who have been away from education or training for many years. I also want to look at how we can encourage more people into learning for the priority skills areas of the future. I intend therefore to bring forward, as soon as possible, revised arrangements that are tailored to the needs of our learners and economy while continuing to pursue our overall aims of creating a learning culture in Northern Ireland.

Dr Farren said that pending the outcome of the review he was asking Further Education Colleges to use their fee remission policies to provide support for people in socially or educationally disadvantaged groups.

The Minister added: "While there is currently no evidence of fraud in the scheme in Northern Ireland, it is something that my Department takes very seriously. In respect of misuse, a few weeks ago we issued a warning to intending ILA users to be vigilant when signing up for a course. Since then and, particularly over recent days, our concerns have increased regarding aggressive mis-selling by providers. We need to act now to protect the public interest. I have decided, therefore, to suspend the operation of the scheme." (GB/SP)