Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 15 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 2

Written Answers. - Adult Education.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

62 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the implementation of the principles contained in the White Paper on Adult Education; if he is satisfied that its proposals will be implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28280/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The principles which underpin the strategy set out in the White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life, are, first, lifelong learning as a systemic approach – a holistic learner-centred flexible system providing for a continuum of service from early childhood through to and throughout adulthood; second, equality – targeting of measures to address inequalities arising from socio-economic status, ethnicity, disability and gender; and, third, inter-culturalism – celebrating and catering for diversity and meeting the learning challenges of different groups.

The White Paper sets out a comprehensive range of policies and actions for the development of the adult education sector. There are over 80 recommendations which form part of a long-term strategy for ongoing development in the light of available resources. Progress is under way in areas where funding has been provided under the national development plan. For example, the national adult literacy strategy is progressing apace with the number of students increasing from 5,000 to 18,862 and with some 246,000 learners each week watching the new television series, "Read Write Now 2". There have also been strategic developments in the quality of the service, with strengthened links with other agencies, greater flexibility, an expansion of options and venues, a nationally certified staff development programme, a quality framework and research on assessment.

The back to education initiative, which provides for a major expansion of part-time options in further education, will come on stream at the end of the year with 4000 additional places. This will increase on a phased basis to 20,000 extra places per annum by the end of the 2006. Phases 1 and 2 of the development of an adult guidance service are under way, with a service now operational in 19 areas. The aim is to have a comprehensive national service in place by 2006. A review of the organisational, management, administrative, technical and ancillary support services for PLC courses is nearing completion. New arrangements have been introduced for schools to encourage the development of adult self-funded part-time courses, providing for posts of responsibility, a once-off grant scheme and for profit from fee income to be reinvested in adult learning.

An educational equality initiative is up and running which addresses gaps in the system for disadvantaged groups and pilots new approaches with a view to mainstreaming. A feasibility study is under way for the development of a further education management information system which will enable the progress of specific groups, such as lone parents and travellers, for example, to be monitored over time. The report of the action group on access to third level education has been published and top up maintenance grants have been introduced for students most in need.

The National Qualifications Authority and the Further and Higher Education and Training Awards Councils have been established on a statutory basis to provide a unified framework for the accreditation of all non-university vocational education and training at further and higher levels. This is a vitally important development which will assist in the longer term in enhancing quality and relevance, providing for streamlined progression pathways and for mechanisms for the accreditation of prior learning and work based learning.

The policies in the White Paper, which have received widespread support from practitioners and social partner interests, will continue to be implemented on a phased basis in the light of the resources made available in the annual Estimates process.