Further Education and Training Programmes Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2013

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Questions (87, 91)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

87. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding education training. [21975/13]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

91. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify a situation regarding a project (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21991/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 91 together.

I recognise that further education as it is currently delivered covers a broad spectrum of education that ranges from basic adult literacy and numeracy courses to courses that are certified at level 6 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications. It also spans the generations of learners from adult learners to early school leavers. It is delivered in formal classroom settings and in less formal settings based in the community. It is essentially a flexible form of education that can meet the diverse needs of learners in the most appropriate setting.

Since the publication of the Bill a number of concerns, similar to those of the Deputies, have been raised regarding the definition of further education and the matter is being dealt with in the context of the passage of the Bill.