Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I congratulate Senator Ó Domhnaill on tabling this motion on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Senators, on his appointment as spokesperson on lifelong learning, and on his comprehensive understanding of all aspects of further education and upskilling as seen in his contribution. I also thank Senator Daly for seconding the motion and for outlining the value of education and upskilling for society and the economy. I will deal with the contributions of Senators Healy Eames and Buttimer in the course of my contribution.

I am glad to have this opportunity to reflect on recent progress and provide an overview of the direction and developments that will take place in the important area of adult and further education over the term of this Government. In June, my brief was extended to include lifelong learning which introduced a cross-departmental role between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The education and training sectors have now been amalgamated under the lifelong learning agenda. This will allow me to determine the best policy, in the light of views from both Departments. This move strongly reflects the Government's commitment to lifelong learning and recognition of the changing economic horizon.

This is an exciting time for adult and further education. There is a growing awareness that education should be a lifelong process. Gone are the days when one was considered to be fully educated when formal schooling ended. We must now ensure the skills and knowledge of our population can keep pace with a fast changing world. The quality of our education system is the key success factor in the transformation of the economy into one of the most successful economies in the world. Ireland's sustained investment in high quality second level education and the exceptional expansion in third level enrolment have been the critical drivers of our outstanding economic success and social progress.

A strong focus on lifelong learning and training, combined with increased levels of investment in research, technology and innovation, will be key factors in maintaining our competitiveness in a constantly changing global environment. This will require an ever increasing number of graduates qualified to the highest international standards, interlinked with a proactive lifelong learning strategy for all citizens.

The principal objectives of programmes in the further education sector are to meet the needs of young early school leavers; to provide vocational education and training opportunities for labour market entrants and re-entrants and alternative pathways to higher education; and to provide second-chance education for adults.

A suite of Government-funded full-time and part-time programmes are available within the adult and further education sector attaining to each of these goals. Senator Ó Domhnaill outlined these in detail. They include Youthreach, the vocational training opportunities scheme, VTOS, senior Traveller training centres and post-leaving certificate courses, PLCs, which are all full-time initiatives. Part-time programmes are available to accommodate those who have other commitments to fulfil. Community education, evening classes and adult literacy programmes are a big part of this sector.

Of all the disadvantages people face, problems with literacy and numeracy can have the most profound effect in preventing individuals from leading a fulfilling life and from participating in their community and wider society. Adult literacy has been the top priority in adult education for some years now and it is singled out in the programme for Government.

I wish to respond to the criticism made by Senator Healy Eames. An increase of €7.4 million, or 21%, in the budget for adult literacy and community education was provided this year. This increase has allowed for 3,000 additional literacy places this year and will bring expenditure up to €30 million. Approximately 4,000 additional places will be available up to 2009, bringing the total to 42,000.