Mr. Michael Moriarty:

I will start with community education and the value of further education. Over the past number of years I have been concerned about the notion, reinforced by the publication of school league tables in the national press, that success is determined only by access to third level education, which is completely and utterly wrong. As Senator Craughwell has rightly said, people enter into further education and graduate from further education colleges with significant qualifications and skills. Unfortunately, the league tables do not give them credit and their omission is dumping on the further education sector. As I have done before, I appeal to the press to bear that in mind and end their dreadful disservice to our sector.

Senator Craughwell and others have mentioned skills. The European Commission and all the recent reports talk about the importance of generic skills, which are critical thinking, the ability to work in a team and the ability to speak in public. An important part of community education is the development of confidence and the development of a rounded person. We have the specific skills as well. There must be a balance in the education and training system between what industry demands in terms of specific skills and the provision of the important social dimension of educating people in generic and developmental skills. That is critically important.

I notice that Senator Jim D'Arcy has left just as I am about to respond to his query. However, I shall put my comments on the record. ETBs are now up and running but it took a long time to establish the boards. The final one was established only ten days ago, and the names will be available on our website. As I reckon this will be my last opportunity to talk today, I congratulate Senator Craughwell on his elevation to the Seanad. He comes from this sector.

Finally, we have hosted visits by three international groups in recent months. They came here to look at the massive reform that has taken place and were impressed, even though it is in its infancy and its full impact has not become evident yet. They are very engaged in what we have done here, particularly those from the new accession countries to the European Union from Eastern Europe. Recently we brought them to the Blackrock Further Education Institute, which is under the remit of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB. Senator Craughwell will be very familiar with the establishment. It is an outstanding establishment and a credit to the sector. I was delighted to bring our international visitors to such a fine establishment.