Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for his heartening and informative contribution. All sides of the House will recognise that the heart of the Minister of State lies in developing education and lifelong learning for all citizens, on which I commend him.

I acknowledge the contributions on both sides of the House to this important debate on lifelong learning. In last week's debate on employment I noted the role of the Industrial Development Agency and the opportunities available now in employment and education that were not available a few years ago. Ireland is a young, independent country that is developing at a very fast rate and it is important to acknowledge that we have come from a poor base. When we are addressing this issue we should remember this context.

My father and people of his generation had to leave these shores in search of employment having not had the educational opportunities now widely available to young people of our generation. I had the opportunity to study at primary, secondary and third level, for which I am grateful.

The Minister of State referred to adult literacy and community education. I welcome the fact that there is an increase of €7.4 million, or 21%, in the budget for these areas that will provide a further 3,000 educational places. The Minister of State's programme proposes to increase the number of places by 4,000 by 2009. This would mean the Department would facilitate 42,000 people in availing of adult literacy education.

The Minister of State mentioned that the budget for adult and further education has increased by €56 million this year, an increase of 50% from 2002 to 2007. This must be welcomed by all. He said that in 2007 the Government will invest approximately €70 million in training programmes for those in employment, compared to €8 million in 2004, which adds FÁS and Skillsnet to the equation. Senators Doherty and Keaveney and others referred to those who have lost jobs but most of the jobs lost in Ireland have been lost because we are not competitive enough to remain in the mainstream manufacturing sector.