Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. Adult education is an important topic and while I may not be as enthusiastic as Senator Fitzgerald, I will try to be measured in my contribution.

Resources for adult education have improved. At the time when I finished school about three students from a class of 50 went on to do a university course, some went to technical colleges and others joined family businesses. As Senator Fitzgerald stated, it is wonderful that today's school leavers have the choice and confidence to continue with their education. We have come a long way as a nation and I do not wish to return to a situation where unskilled people lacking in maturity and confidence leave education at the age of 18. In the past 30 years, interest in third level and adult education has significantly increased.

Although I consider myself to be relatively young, many of my friends who have raised their children are now returning to education. It is wonderful to see their enthusiastic attitude since they were given a second chance to access education. In the past, people were obliged to go into the workplace or were busy raising families and were not privileged to go into full-time education. It is wonderful to see such people now getting a second chance.

More resources should be directed into adult education. I accept I may be biased but I am most impressed by the effect it can have on people. We are all victims of our environment. Those from a farming background tend to follow the previous generations and continue the farming tradition. I come from a business background. I am a small shopkeeper. My parents followed my grandparents in this endeavour. We are all affected by our environment. If the preceding generation did not complete secondary education or attend third level, it is less likely for the present generation to pursue education to a high level. By giving those people who missed out on furthering their education 25 years ago a chance now, we are breaking that cycle and offering hope and self-belief to people. This also provides an incentive to the children of such people to further their own education. I wish the Minister of State well. The funding spent on adult education is of immeasurable benefit.

I have much grá for the Youthreach programme which has provided a wonderful opportunity for young people who were not comfortable in the formal educational environment. They have been given an opportunity to learn skills in a friendly environment. Some of the young people involved may be from the margins of society or have been in trouble with the law. I accept that the programme was not set up specifically for this purpose, but some of the young people involved come from difficult backgrounds. The funding for this area has been money well spent.

I pay tribute to those involved in this sector. I have met many teachers and principals involved in this area. I commend the VECs on the choice of staff employed on this programme. Their ideals and demeanour fit in well as they work closely with the students. They know how to get the best out of their students. I am always pleased to be invited to an event involving the Youthreach programme.

The cap on PLC courses is a problem and I urge the Minister of State to further examine the matter. If restrictions were put in place then those who are lacking in confidence can be put off by financial or child care concerns. We must focus on the needs of the service users. It is sometimes beneficial to get people out of their home environment, which may have been the same for 20 years or more. It is not a question merely of receiving an education but also relates to the benefits of getting out of one's comfort zone and meeting new friends. The funding expended on adult education may help prevent illnesses and other problems and is money well spent.

Another important element of adult education is prison education. Prison is a difficult teaching and learning environment for teachers and prisoners, respectively. Although it is one of the better prisons in the State, I was relieved when a visit to Castlerea Prison some years ago as part of a VEC delegation was over. We must allocate sufficient resources to this sector. I understand that while prisoners who work in the prison workshop are paid a small allowance, the same does not apply to those who avail of prison educational facilities. Has this anomaly been rectified? If so, I congratulate the Government. Otherwise, I ask the Minister of State to consider it. I wish her every success in her endeavours in the area of adult education.