Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

Over the past number of years the Government has prioritised a major expansion of opportunities in adult and further education. Between 2002 and 2008, expenditure on these areas increased by 60%, from €256 million to €414 million. In terms of extending opportunity, this increased expenditure meant that, in 2008, over 49,000 places were provided in further education courses compared to almost 43,000 places in 2002.

Budget 2009 required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure in order to control expenditure and ensure sustainability in the long term. While the provision for further and adult education in 2009 shows a small increase on the outturn for 2008, nevertheless it will require very careful management of available resources. Given the overall financial constraints and the various competing demands across the education sector, it is not possible to re-prioritise funding for the further education sector from within the existing budget for the Department of Education and Science.

However, my Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is working as a matter of urgency to identify innovative and creative ways to maximise provision and enhance effectiveness. My Department is also working closely with all the stakeholders and providers in the further and adult education sector in order to address the retraining and upskilling needs of the workforce.

As part of our efforts in this regard, my Department and representatives of the Irish Vocational Education Association and Institutes of Technology Ireland participate in the upskilling co-ordination group chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department is also liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to improving the co-ordination of our efforts and facilitating better co-operation and collaboration at local and regional level among the relevant education and training providers.

The increase in unemployment brings with it many challenges, including that of retraining and upskilling. In order to address these challenges in this difficult financial situation, we must continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect across the education sector. I am confident that by working closely with other Departments and agencies we can maximise the impact of our collective endeavours in meeting the challenges presented by the current economic situation.

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