Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators who contributed to this debate. I am appreciative of the kind remarks made by those on both sides of the House.

I will do my best to address the general issues raised by Senators. Senator Ulick Burke mentioned that I made many references to literacy in my initial contribution. The reason is that the Government has prioritised the area of literacy. If we do not have literacy, we do not have the foundation stones on which to build. When examining the core matter of literacy, I recognise that one of my responsibilities in the Department of Education and Science is the promotion and determination of initiatives to tackle disadvantage. Literacy problems are often compounded by poverty and the social exclusion that follows. When addressing literacy, one tries to provide a one-to-one situation for those who have few literacy skills and to build such up to the point where tutors can take over. One also tries to promote literacy in the family, which is the way forward.

The Senator also referred to the importance of workplace literacy, in respect of which I could not agree with him more. We need to place further emphasis on this area. The National Adult Literacy Agency is working with the Department to determine how to promote the issue of workplace learning, particularly concerning men, as fewer men than women take up literacy courses. I spoke with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, who has been working on the issue of workplace learning and has provided €2 million in the Estimates to ensure his Department carries out its responsibilities in that regard.

Further discussions must take place with employers. I had an opportunity to talk to those who provided literacy programmes in other countries, particularly the United States, which is far ahead of Ireland. There is a recognition among employers in the US that literacy courses should be provided. A great deal of discussion must take place before we can advance the issue, but I am sure there will be good will on all sides.

Regarding further and adult learning, it is important to realise that the most disadvantaged groups must be given priority. I have referred to literacy, but we must also address Youthreach, VTOS, BTI, senior Traveller training centres and plcs. Upon examination, the numbers involved are interesting. A total of 35,000 people are involved in literacy programmes — 3,300 in the Youthreach programme, approximately 1,200 in the Traveller centres and 5,500 in VTOS. Under the recently completed partnership talks, we hope to have an additional 1,000 places in the Youthreach programme by 2009.

These areas have great need in terms of funding and support from the Department. As such, they are our priorities. In so doing, we have paid particular attention to the PLC area. I agree with Senators who said the growth in that area has been organic. There was a need in the community and, because of it, PLCs have been provided. For this reason, it is important to recognise that the number of places has increased by 60% since 1997. Indeed, this year has seen a substantial increase on last year.

We recognise the importance of expansion through approved places and teachers. We introduced maintenance grants for students with effect from September 1998 and tuition fees for PLC courses have been waived. As such, there is a definite recognition of the importance of PLCs, not only for the individual concerned, but for society, which will gain as a result.

I thank all Senators for recognising the good work of the VECs, which form the network through which this provision is laid for participants. As the Minister of State with responsibility for adult and further education, my role is to fund VECs. After discussions with them, we realised that further co-ordination and the development of necessary supports were necessary. As such, we welcomed the 37 new community education officers in the VECs.

From time to time, we have all had the opportunity to discuss the McIver report, in respect of which I will provide Senators with an update.

Discussions are ongoing with the IVEA on issues in the McIver report. Once I receive the official document from my officials I will consider it. The decisions agreed may require further discussion with the unions but I want to extend the role of PLCs and have every intention of working with the IVEA on that agenda.

I will reiterate the words of the social partnership draft agreement on the McIver report and PLCs in general: "Having regard to developments in the PLC sector, including the McIver report, concrete prioritised proposals in relation to PLC provision and focused in particular on the larger PLC providers will be prepared and will be the subject of further negotiation between management and unions". In the context of the PLC sector, McIver stated that the top 43 colleges of the 210 PLC providers have over 150 students. Those colleges are a focus of the report and I will try to support their progress, and to further the development of the other PLCs, as well as all other elements of further and adult education. In recognition of the importance of further and adult education the Government has provided €146 million in funding.

Senator Fitzgerald was correct to advocate partnership because that is the way forward for further and adult education, indeed all education. Partnership is a sound base on which to work from a community point of view.

Senators also referred to the importance of certification. The national qualifications framework has been very helpful for all elements of the education sector. It has been particularly important for adult and further education because it recognises the possibility of progression. In that context guidance is particularly important. That was referred to by many Senators this morning, not least Senator Ormonde, who has extensive professional experience in the area.

Senator Feighan acknowledged that resources had improved in the area of further and adult education but asked about second chance education and choice. I agree with him that the funding of adult education is important for the individual but can also have a positive knock-on effect on the economy. It breaks the link with poverty and provides employment prospects and the greater potential for higher earnings. It provides people with an opportunity to escape the clutches of crime and poor health, and relieves dependency on social welfare. It also provides an opportunity for socialisation for people who might not otherwise have such an opportunity.

Senator O'Toole called for recognition of the contribution of older people to society. Until now many were forgotten and did not have the opportunity of second chance education. Like Senator O'Toole I have heard at first hand from those who have had the opportunity at second level. Failure to recognise the potential contributions of such individuals would represent a tremendous waste of talent. We must ensure second chance education is provided to all those who wish to avail of it.

It is also important to get the message across that such courses are available. It is not enough to provide courses unless people are well aware of them and appreciate the value of learning. That emanates from the family.

Senator Tuffy stressed the importance of flexible models. Further and adult education must be flexible because people of an older age group have very different responsibilities and obligations. If they are to be in a position to take up the education that is offered then we must ensure it is flexible and we are working toward that.

I congratulate those who took part in the debate. Much is happening in the area. Senator Ormonde referred to home school completion programmes and the importance of tying in learning to the family. The DEIS programme emphasises the importance of those links as a way of eradicating disadvantage. Family literacy will have a similar emphasis.

There was a reference to migrants and migrant learning. Some 35,000 avail of literacy programmes 10,000 of whom are in the ESOL programme, which shows how Ireland is changing and points up the needs to be met of new entrants to programmes, who may come from a different cultural and linguistic background. We need to upskill and demonstrate how skills can lead to further progression along the education continuum. The networks are in place and adult guidance plays an important role. There is a strong PLC sector which we acknowledge by funding and staffing.

Under the social partnership draft agreement the Youthreach programme will contribute an additional 1,000 places by 2009. We believe every person of working age should have access to lifelong learning and we want to enhance the national literacy service, delivered by the VECs, by the provision of an extra 7,000 places by 2009. Guidance counselling will be provided for literacy and language learners and the needs of migrants will be considered in the context of the education equality initiative. Measures will also be adopted to monitor and evaluate progress in this area. The back to education initiative will be expanded by 2,000 places by 2009.

At every level there are indications of how we wish to progress. Investing in further supports and measures for further education will include needs assessment, technology support, community-based strategies, child care support and access routes. Adult and further education is a wide area but constitutes an important element in the progression of the individual and in the search for further inclusiveness in our society. I assure all Senators that as long as I am in this position I will continue to work as hard as I can to secure further funding for the sector.