Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

The co-operation between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Finance has never been closer and the Deputy will see the benefit of that in the coming weeks.

I am acutely aware of the importance of investing in the continued development of the skills and competencies of our workforce. This investment will provide Ireland with competitive advantage in the area of skills, which will be critical to our future success.

I also wish to outline to the House what is happening in regard to the further education sector. We will continue to provide supports under my Department's further education sector. Over the past 12 years we have made significant progress in expanding the provision of further education, culminating in an investment of €414 million last year, which was a 400% increase on the equivalent 1997 figure. That increased investment allowed 145,000 learners to receive education and training last year.

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