Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Minister of State on providing facilitators and tutors to the literacy and numeracy agencies to reach out to those who cannot do this themselves. Her initiatives include language classes, a new television series, new programmes and "Read Write Now", which has been a great success because it has made it easy for people who have difficulties with language and numeracy to reach out and work with tutors.

I would love to see the Minister of State put her stamp on the adult guidance initiative which takes a holistic approach involving home-school links with psychologists, day guidance counsellors and adults working together. It is amazing what these groups can achieve in a region such as north or south Dublin where there are pockets of people who need this support. The Minister of State has that holistic vision but the work needs to be developed and she should emphasise that before she retires. If that concept is realised, there will be a very successful further and adult education system.

This gives people an opportunity through FETAC to get certification or diplomas and take the scenic route into universities or shape up their lives as they wish. There are many second chance opportunities for those who wish to improve their skills. Education is booming in this country. That is our success story. I compliment the Minister of State on helping to make it work and enhancing the lives of those who might not otherwise have had a chance to go through such education.

I will not lose contact with the Minister of State. I wish her well in her other career. I know where she will shape her life in future. She has a fund of knowledge and the capacity to move on from here and I wish her every success.