Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of the TUI and NALA for being here today. The TUI submission is remarkably extensive and it will probably take some time to digest the variety of issues addressed. Due to time constraints the delegation was not in a position to go through them in greater detail. Nevertheless, I understand the sentiments expressed.

I welcome the representatives from NALA. I will be tabling an amendment to get an adult learner on the ETBs. Literacy is a civil right and it is one of the greatest issues in our country at the moment. We must complete the circle but we have no real potential to tackle the issue of literacy from all stages of education and the life cycle unless we get the life experience of an adult learner who has dealt with the issues so eloquently outlined by the NALA delegation today. I will table an amendment and I hope it will be accepted and that NALA will have an adult learner on the ETBs. I believe that is justified.