John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I do not believe there is a need for this amendment. The record of institutes of technology in this regard is well recognised. They offer a wide range of opportunities for education and training. On Second Stage we discussed the progression from certificate to PhD level in institutes of technology. They also have very flexible arrangements for groups like mature students. Senator Tuffy mentioned how people entering institutes of technology at a trade level can progress through them. Approximately 30,000 people attend institutes of technology on apprenticeship and part-time programmes. Institutes of technology are already doing what is being asked of them.

I am concerned that inserting a specific legislative provision relating to lifelong learning might place a requirement on institutes of technology to deal with matters that were not within their remit. If one takes lifelong learning to mean learning from the cradle to the grave, inserting such a provision could place an onus on institutes of technology to provide, for example, pre-school education which is not what is asked of them. It is better to support them in what they do and do well rather than place inappropriate functions on them through legislation.