Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)

I thank the Minister of State for his contribution and commend the Government on the support it has given to lifelong learning. The integration between the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is a welcome development as it helps integrate and amalgamate the education and training sectors and ensures proper co-ordination between the Departments in their efforts to promote the various aspects of lifelong learning.

I note the Minister of State's strong emphasis on the importance of lifelong learning in promoting economic growth and ensuring workers are in a position to adjust to the demands of a changing economy. While these are valid reasons for supporting a policy of lifelong learning, preparing citizens for the knowledge economy to which we aspire is not the only compelling reason for promoting such a policy. Lifelong learning has a very important role to play in personal development which also provides a guarantee of social inclusion. Despite their best efforts, those who have not attained acceptable levels of functional literacy are excluded in many important ways from full participation in society. Lifelong learning helps to develop skills and competencies across a range of areas and means people are more likely to feel they are personally effective.

Earlier, the House debated the unfortunate phenomenon of suicide. When people feel competent and able and have had an opportunity to develop their skills to their full potential, it is less likely they will feel the sense of alienation or lack of belonging which sometimes contributes to psychological distress.

I commend the Government on the approach it has taken. Several indicators demonstrate its sincere commitment to a policy of lifelong learning. The Minister of State referred to a 21% increase in the budget for adult literacy and community education this year, while the national development plan has committed €2.2 billion towards further education, with particular priority being given to further education for those with low literacy levels.

Functional literacy presents a significant challenge. Despite considerable investment in adult literacy services, an estimated one in four citizens experiences basic literacy problems that affect activities such as shopping, reading newspapers, filling in essential forms, etc. We must address this issue.

I welcome the national development plan's commitment to reducing the levels of illiteracy and low literacy in primary schools from 30% to 15%. While we can set general objectives, it is important to set clear targets to measure——