Ms Berni Brady:

I will not attempt to answer the question about the second level curriculum and the way in which the points system drives the choices people make. One of the most popular questions in our information referral website is about how one can repeat the leaving certificate, as if nothing else existed.

Deputy McConalogue referred to the issue of guidance, which is a key part of the supports for people in adult education. Last year, we ran a consultation programme for adult learners to find out what they would like to see in the new SOLAS services. Among the key issues emerging were guidance and information at the point of entry - this is especially important where links are made with Intreo - mentoring and supports for those who have already enrolled in programmes and further guidance at the point of exit. We should reconsider the issue of guidance to avoid lumping it together for one person to deliver. People who deliver further education and training need a broad range of skills, including mentoring skills, to help learners as they proceed.

The recent report from the NESC on the long-term unemployed contained interesting information on what employers considered important. Work attitudes were top of the list, with 74% of employers contacted in an IBEC business sentiment survey reporting work attitude as the most important factor, followed by literacy and numeracy at 36% and, way down the list, qualifications at 13.9%. That says something about what is needed to make people work ready. Qualifications are not always needed because there are opportunities for upskilling on the job. We need to think more broadly than simple steps up or building up.