Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to the draft SOLAS Bill's definition of further education and training, if he will consider broadening the definition to include other systematic and deliberate learning undertaken by adults in a wide variety of settings and contexts, both formal and non-formal, in particular community education; if he will consider specifically naming Independent Community Education as a provider group within the legislation; if there is scope for modification of Section 7(h) and Section 7(h)2 to expressly address the training and upskilling needs of persons within and outside the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22702/13]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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254. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the position of community education is secured under the provision of the SOLAS Bill (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22359/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 256 together.

I recognise that further education and training as it is currently delivered covers a broad spectrum that ranges from basic adult literacy and numeracy courses to courses that are certified at level 6 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications. It also spans the generations of learners from adult learners to early school leavers. It is delivered in formal classroom settings and in less formal settings based in the community. It is essentially a flexible form of education that can meet the diverse needs of learners in the most appropriate setting.

Since the publication of the Bill a number of concerns have been raised regarding the definition of further education and training and the matter is being dealt with in the context of the passage of the Bill.