Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Commissioner for his presence here this afternoon, and for outlining his vision of education from a European perspective. I observed Mr. Navracsics's presence in the plenary session a short time ago, when he listened to some of the debate regarding the European Council meeting taking place tomorrow and on Friday. I think he got a flavour of the Irish concerns around Brexit. In a previous life I was Minister of State with responsibility for Lifelong Learning, Youth Work and School Transport at the then Department of Education and Science. It was a very rewarding position. I have attended meetings of the Council of Ministers, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, and so forth. The reason the position was very rewarding is that I got to meet individuals who had prospered from participation in further education and training or lifelong learning. I saw how the individual flourished, and how they then made a contribution to their family, their community, their society and indeed to the economy as a whole.

Senator Dolan mentioned the issue of disability. I wish to mention the issue of adult literacy, bringing our discussion right back to basics. I am of the view that many people are still excluded from fully participating in society because of inadequate literacy skills, including computer literacy. These people are becoming more and more excluded from playing a full role in our society and participating in the digital economy. I assume this is a priority for the European Commission, but I must ask Mr. Navracsics how are we doing across the EU with regard to adult literacy. I believe many people are feeling more and more socially excluded because of their lack of basic skills. Bringing our concern right back to basics, I would like to think that this has to be a priority as well. I hope that the European Union is improving as a whole in that regard.

I thank Deputy Haughey. Before I call on Commissioner Navracsics, I wish to thank Senator Leyden for his valuable help. I now ask the Commissioner to give his overview and concluding remarks please.