Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I am conscious a number of other Senators would like to contribute and, therefore, I will be brief. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. The figures he outlined are impressive but more needs to be done and cutbacks will have to be reversed in the fullness of time. The day will never come in Ireland when we will be able to say we spend enough on lifelong learning or education. In the current economic climate, we do not have the money to spend on all the education schemes we have set up. The Youthreach programme in Killarney, County Kerry, is playing a vital role in ensuring those who normally would fall through the cracks in the system are helped to attain the necessary skills to fulfil their potential. Lifelong learning is about giving people the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Colleagues on all sides of the House fought valiantly to ensure community employment, CE, schemes were retained when it was proposed that they be scrapped. They have played a vital role in cities, towns and villages, including Kenmare, in ensuring work is done that would not necessarily be done.

The Government proposes to introduce a new subject to the school curriculum entitled politics in society which will educate students about how they should contribute to their society. It is startling to think that children go through the primary and secondary school without being educated about how to be citizens. They are taught French, history, mathematics, biology, English and Irish but they are not taught how to be citizens, how to volunteer, why they should vote and why they should participate fully in their community.

Senator Coffey raised a number of issues relating to unemployed tradesmen. A proposal is due to come to Government and the Minister for Social Protection will take it up. Under the proposal he will utilise those on the dole queues to renovate buildings and construct new buildings for community purposes. This will not only create employment and provide new community facilities but also enhance the self-esteem of those involved. Unemployment is terrible not only from a financial point of view but also from a personal point of view.

Access to university courses is important. People want to attain degrees and diplomas.