Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the participation rate in lifelong learning in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the EU average rate for same based on latest data in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46381/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Adults (%) who had engaged in lifelong learning in the preceding 4 weeks

Source: Eurostat

*Break in series due to change from CSO Quarterly National Household Survey to CSO Labour Force Survey; data before and after this point is not comparable

The latest comparable (EU 28 vs Ireland) data is the annual average for 2017. An update on the quarterly data is expected to be available from Quarter 2 2018.

My Department has set ambitious lifelong learning target participation rates under the National Skill Strategy 2025, including participation rates of 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2025.

Targeted policy initiatives such as the Regional Skills Fora, EXPLORE, Skills to Advance, Skills for Growth and Springboard + are amongst a number of measures developed by my Department aimed at improving lifelong learning participation rates, particularly amongst older workers already in employment. In addition, the National Skills Council have recently identified lifelong learning as a key strategic priority across the education and training system.