Written answers
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Department of Education and Skills
Further Education and Training Programmes Provision
Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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285. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if independently managed community education providers will continue to be recognised and resourced in supporting persons to develop personally, socially and economically; if the position of independently managed community education will be secured at this critical time of development for the new Further Education and Training service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27441/13]
Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I recognise that further education and training, as it is currently delivered, covers a broad spectrum of education that ranges from basic adult literacy courses to courses that are certified at level 6 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Further Education and Training is accessed by all manner of learners, ranging 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. I am aware that many providers want greater recognition of this dimension to be reflected in the legislation.
At Committee Stage on 1st May, I undertook to examine the issue further. Accordingly I asked officials in the Department to give consideration to the matters raised, ahead of Report Stage in the Dáil.
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