Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2017
98. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the participation rate in lifelong learning for each of the years 2014 to 2016, and to date in 2017; the EU average rate based on latest data in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26429/17]
View answerParticipation rates in lifelong learning for each of the years 2014 to 2016 in Ireland and the EU average are set out in the following table and are based on the latest EUROSTAT data, which was updated at the end of April, this year. Rates for 2017 are not yet available.
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
|
EU 28 average |
10.8 |
10.7 |
10.8 |
|
Ireland |
6.9 |
6.5 |
6.4 |
National policies including the National Skills Strategy 2025, the Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019 all acknowledge through a range of actions, that the development of the skills of those at work will play a key role in the context of lifelong learning, and confirm the need to work with employers and employees.
Work is nearing completion on the development of a policy framework for the FET sector to support employee development which along with an implementation plan will be published this year and will contribute to meeting the targets set in the National Skills Strategy 2025 to increase participation in lifelong learning to 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2025.
