Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I want to add a few comments in this regard. In regard to adult learners, if the legislation just mentions the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and employers it would appear that further education is about jobs, but it is much more than that. I can understand the concerns expressed. In regard to community education providers, section 7(1)(c) refers to training bodies and other bodies. That could encompass community education providers. What might put that in question is the use of the word "bodies", which appears very official. People may think it is a State agency, whereas community education providers could be a community group. It might not have to include the specific words "community education providers" but it is important that the word "bodies" does not exclude community groups. That is the issue that needs to be examined by the Minister of State.