Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 8, line 32, to delete “in the course of” and substitute “for the purpose of”.

Amendment No. 11 is simply a drafting amendment replacing the phrase “in the course of” and substituting “for the purpose of” in section 9(4). With regard to amendment No. 12, Deputy O'Brien spoke of the significant collaboration and discussion that has occurred at committee level on this legislation. The learning and community education sector are very much part of the provision of further education and training. Following discussion on Committee Stage of that Bill and again at a subsequent informal meeting with the select committee, I am bringing forward this amendment to highlight the role of these groups in the development of the further education and training strategy. Amendment No. 12 provides that, in addition to other named bodies, SOLAS may consult with community education providers and learners.

In recognition of the need to improve literacy and numeracy in the country, and following similar discussions on Committee Stage of the Bill and again at a subsequent informal meeting with the select committee, I am bringing forward this amendment to ensure the inclusion of a literacy and numeracy strategy as part of the development of an overall further education and training strategy. Amendment No. 13 provides that the national further education and training strategy developed under section 9 shall include a strategy aimed at promoting, developing and encouraging literacy and numeracy.

With regard to amendment No. 14 in the name of Deputy Boyd Barrett, I believe the substantive issue raised is dealt with in the context of amendment No. 13. We have now made a commitment, which is provided for in the legislation, to secure the inclusion of a literacy and numeracy strategy as part of the development of a further education and training strategy under SOLAS.

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