Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The link between low levels of educational attainment and unemployment is well documented. My Department's White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life, identified the need for targeted interventions so as to encourage and support the participation of certain priority groups in adult education. In particular, the White Paper highlighted the allocation of additional resources to address adult literacy needs and the need to provide increased opportunities for adult learners, prioritising the needs of those with less than upper secondary education.

The report of the task force on lifelong learning complemented the policies and recommendations of the White Paper on Adult Education. The cross-sectoral approach of the task force report supports and reinforces the recommendations on adult education policy and provision. These policies are implemented by my Department through the provision of supports for a range of second chance education programmes, for young people and adults alike, who have either left school early or need further vocational training to enhance their employment prospects. These programmes are provided mainly by the vocational education committees but also in schools and colleges and by community-based education groups. A range of courses provided by FÁS and other education and training providers complement the programmes supported by my Department.

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