Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This subject is close to my heart. As I studied multiple intelligences for my masters degree, I followed Senator Feargal Quinn's comments with interest. I commend the Minister of State and the Government for their reforming agenda for further education and training which aims to future proof the sector in order that it can deliver a 21st education and training programme.

What is traditionally assessed as intelligence suits the socially dominant group which has largely defined the nature of legitimate knowledge in education. Often the cultural values and beliefs in education and societal structures mirror the values of dominant groups. The exception is adult education and I hope this will be preserved. What is involved in adult education today should be brought to primary level. Our education system has left many adults behind and continues to fail many citizens. We must address the urgent social need behind the fact that not every citizen learns in the same way by catering for a wider spectrum of intelligence and, therefore, a larger population cohort. We should have equal regard for other forms of intelligence. While it is important that we value linguistic, logistical and mathematical intelligence, we must teach in a way that encompasses all of the intelligence of a person, with equal regard for dancers, designers, entrepreneurs, artists and musicians.

The VEC delivers further education programmes, whereas FÁS provides training. Both should be encompassed within a multiple intelligence sphere which recognises no difference between training and education. We should assist students in critical and creative thinking competencies and encourage intellectual empowerment. Perhaps if we had more critical thinkers when the Magdalen laundries were operating, they would have asked more questions about what was happening. I hope this aspect of adult education will continue to be nurtured.

Senator Katherine Zappone spoke about the community and voluntary sector. An Cosán could be a model for the new SOLAS and adult education programmes. I am working with architects to find out whether university training of architects is better than vocational training. Accredited prior learning, APL, in education has to be developed further. We have an ideal opportunity with the education boards coming under SOLAS to consider how APL, that is, what an individual brings through lifelong learning, can be accredited. Architecture is one area we could consider in this regard, although it might take some time to put a system in place. Training on the job and learning by doing are just as good as learning from books. I ask the Minister of State to ensure a methodology is put in place for all sectors of education for APL. There is an opportunity in the context of the draft building regulations to develop such a system through the vocational and community sector.

I have more to say, but the Leas-Chathaoirleach has indicated my time is up. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, and the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, for the job they are doing.