Mr. William Beausang:

It is important to mention that a positive outcome we achieved in the Estimates was the allocation of €1 million to develop a pilot or pathfinder incentivisation scheme for participation in lifelong learning that will be very much focused on SMEs. We are engaging with Skillnet in terms of moving into the design of that pilot. The assessment in the OECD report, which is also an assessment of our Department and will be subject to Government consideration and decision-making down the line, is that financial incentives play an important role in allowing and facilitating greater lifelong learning. That is the international experience. I attended an event in the OECD last week and other OECD members are talking about the need for support for employers and individuals to achieve the step change in lifelong learning that will be required.