one had a story to tell about being treated unfairly and the level of incompetence within Government departments, FAS being mentioned most frequently. It is our responsibility to complain and demand accountability; "otherwise nothing will change".

12.6 Barriers to Attending Classes or Training Courses

Discussion Group 4 were supplied with a list of the top six ranked barriers that can affect a woman's ability to attend classes or training courses, obtained form Question 40 in the survey.  This group was then asked how they felt about these barriers and the order of importance that had emerged.  They were also asked their opinion as to why childcare issues had not emerged in the top six and what they felt was the best way forward in promoting further education opportunities for women in Inishowen. o Childcare problems, which did not emerge at all in the top six, were cited as a huge barrier for some - very few classes had crèche facilities available in this group's experience.  Women felt that they were prevented from attending many classes or courses held in the evening due to similar childcare problems - this was particularly difficult for single parents.  Even when a husband or partner is on hand, he may not always be willing or supportive enough to provide childcare.  There was a strong need felt in this group that crèche facilities with trained staff be provided for every course and class in order to facilitate women's attendance.  "After-school clubs for the 8-10 year old age group and older" would greatly assist mothers in fulltime education - this was suggested on one of the evaluation sheets filled in after the discussions.
o In regard to the "Timing of Courses/Classes", which emerged as the top barrier for women seeking further education or training, an example was offered by one woman involved in a farming enterprise of an agricultural course that was 'held in the spring when I had no time to go anywhere'.  No alternative time was available and, although she would have liked to, she could not attend.   
o Where classes or courses were "Not Available Locally", the problems for women in Inishowen became even greater - this was compounded by "Transport Difficulties", which was rated sixth in the list of barriers.  Although, for example, the University of Ulster Campus at Magee was relatively accessible, the lack of adequate public transport (and none at all in some areas) made it an impossible choice for many women.  Part-time university classes were frequently held at night and therefore out of the question for anyone dependent on a bus.  'Mobile classrooms' was one novel suggestion that is worthy of further consideration, or even the use of local schools in the evening - this would be particularly useful for parenting courses or classes to help parents with approaches to children's homework.
o "Costs and Expenses" was third on the list and led to a lively discussion of alternatives to traditional classes and training in terms of online learning.  However, with no financial help in the form of grants available for the courses themselves or for the cost of equipment and Internet access this type of education was, unfortunately, felt to be out of reach for most women.  In addition, appropriate levels of IT proficiency would be needed, although it was acknowledged that this type of course was the one that most women in the survey (who had taken part in any class) had already attended.  It was therefore felt that online learning would be of particular benefit to the women of Inishowen, especially given their isolation, transport and childcare difficulties. 
o Where "Not Enough Time" was suggested as a barrier (fourth on the list) the group felt that women who had been out of education and, perhaps even the workforce, lost confidence and filled their lives with 'other options'.  Older women, in particular, needed special encouragement to realise their full potential and that they had a lot to contribute in terms of life experience.  It was, however, important to accept that some women were 'simply not interested' in accessing further education or training and that this should be respected as a valid choice.
"Lack of Information" was a bone of contention for many women in this group; the worst part of this was finding out where to go to begin sourcing reliable facts. Accreditation issues were a mystery that was seldom explained o beforehand by any agency, as was a valid pathway for the assorted courses and classes that women found themselves doing.  Much time and effort can be lost for women if direction and guidance are not made available to them - "Where am I going with this?" is a frequent question that remains unanswered. More cross-border cooperation was suggested here, as it was felt that agencies in Northern Ireland seemed to have a better 'handle' on this aspect of further education.  The group felt that IWIN should lobby at every opportunity and apply for funding to make this possible.

12.7 Satisfaction with Medical Services Locally

Discussion group 5 was supplied with a pie chart illustrating the level of satisfaction with the provision and availability of medical services in the Inishowen area as determined from Question 44 in the research survey.  The group was asked to discuss and comment on these findings, especially in relation to NowDoc, which had at