If you're contemplating a return to study as a mature student, the national association for adult education, AONTAS, can be a big help. It has an information and library service which offers information about learning options and courses, and it also produces a series of booklets aimed at older learners which cover a range of relevant issues, from choosing a course to deciding what kind of qualification you want and applying for a college place. AONTAS can be contacted at 22 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 1. (tel: (01) 475 4121).