Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
155 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science her intentions in relation to the further education sector; if she will facilitate its expansion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26160/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin the context of lifelong learning policies, the conceptual frameworks for further education, adult education and vocational education and training are becoming inextricably linked. It is therefore essential that there is co-operation, co-ordination and cohesion between Departments with responsibilities in these fields and between the statutory bodies with responsibility for delivery of programmes at regional and local level.
The new national framework of qualifications and the consultations being carried out by the Higher and Further Education and Training Awards Councils with providers in relation to quality assurance and validation processes is facilitating the development of a more streamlined approach to the development and delivery of further education.
The principal providers of further education, adult education and continuing vocational education and training are the vocational education committees and FÁS. Other statutory providers include Fáilte Ireland, Teagasc and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
The principal objectives of the measures and programmes funded by the Department of Education and Science in the further and adult education area are to meet the needs of young early school leavers, provide second-chance education for adults, provide vocational education and training opportunities for labour market entrants and re-entrants, and facilitate alternative pathways to higher education.
The White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life, published in 2000, identified a range of areas requiring investment and development, including: a national adult literacy strategy; the expansion of the scale and flexibility of existing provision at further and higher education levels; measures to promote community education models; enhancement of quality, accreditation and assessment, staff development and supporting services, such as guidance and child care; expansion of capital provision for adult education; implementation of an ICT programme for adults; specific equality initiatives to improve the participation of marginalised groups; and structures for national and local co-ordination.
The recommendations of the White Paper are being implemented as resources permit.
