Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address concerns that are set out in a submission (details supplied) which relates to the Further Education and Training Bill [23395/13]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is considering broadening the definition of the Further Education and Training Bill to include community education. [23459/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 126 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.