Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2017
90. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the participation rate in lifelong learning in 2014, 2015 and 2016 based on latest data at hand, in addition to the EU average rate, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe participation rates in lifelong learning over the past 3 years in Ireland and the EU 28 average, listed below, are based on the latest EUROSTAT data. There are a number of challenges to improving these rates, which are not unique to Ireland.
National policies including the National Skills Strategy 2025, the Further Education Strategy and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019 all acknowledge through a number 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.
SOLAS are currently developing a FET Policy Framework to provide for Employee Development. Implementation of the framework will contribute to and support the increase of overall rates of lifelong learning participation. I understand that progress on development of the framework is well advanced with publication scheduled for Q2 2017.
|
Lifelong Learning participation rate |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
EU 28 average |
10.8 |
10.7 |
10.8* |
|
Ireland |
6.9 |
6.5 |
6.5* |
Source: Eurostat
* data for 2016 is provisional.
