Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of persons in adult education in each of the past three years and to date in 2012; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet on-going needs in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51593/12]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The provision of adult education opportunities is a priority for my Department. The level of participation has increased annually in recent years. I will continue to support this sector as it is important to provide education and training opportunities to enable adults to upskill and enhance their employment prospects. The establishment of SOLAS as the new further education and training authority will ensure the provision of 21st century high quality further education and training programmes for jobseekers and other learners.

The following table provides details of the total number of participants in adult education over the last three years. Data for 2012 will not be available until early next year.