Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Education and Training.

John Perry

Ceist:

77 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, she has for framing a commitment to life long learning; the arrangements, if any, in place to achieve the commitment of employers, trade unions and Government to measures that give effect to the acceptance for the need for life long learning including support to individuals to invest in their own training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21627/98]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

In line with commitments in Partnership 2000, I can assure the Deputy that both I and my colleagues in Government are fully committed to the principle of lifelong learning. This commitment is evidenced by the wide range of measures we are pursuing in this area with the involvement of relevant agencies and the social partners.

As the national training authority FÁS is playing a key role in promoting lifelong learning. Some examples of relevant FÁS initiatives include the training support scheme which is specifically aimed at enhancing skills levels in enterprises; the excellence through people initiative which aims to reward and publicise best practice in training; and evening courses which are run by FÁS on a fee paying basis at its training centres throughout the country. A wide range of courses are provided, generally of ten to 12 weeks duration. These courses provide training and skills upgrading opportunities for people who are unable to attend the normal day time courses.

A key goal for Enterprise Ireland is to work with employers to develop key business functions such as training and thus enhance their competitive advantage.

My Department is currently working with the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation (IBEC) to establish a new training networks programme which aims to facilitate and encourage employers to increase and enhance human resource development in their businesses.

My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, is also directing the policy of his Department towards lifelong learning. The forthcoming Green Paper on Adult Education will provide the basis for wide-ranging consultation and debate on the future development of the adult education sector within a framework of lifelong learning. I would also refer to the wide range of part-time courses on offer in third level institutions and in second and further education schools and colleges.

In the area of fiscal policy, section 476 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides for tax relief on approved courses in information technology and foreign languages.

Finally, in the area of European Union actions, I would refer to the Leonardo da Vinci programme in vocation education and training. In addition to promoting the development of language and other skills aimed at increasing mobility within the European labour market, the programme also aims to promote training and education which will facilitate industrial and technological change.