Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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834. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the implementation of the Community Education Framework Implementation Plan, and the number of the 25 Actions that have so far been successfully implemented. [27267/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Community education is crucial for individual growth, social cohesion, and democratic participation. It provides local, accessible learning opportunities, fosters skills development, and builds confidence, ultimately promoting greater community involvement.

Delivering a commitment set out in the FET Strategy 2020–2024, a national Community Education Framework was developed through cross-sectoral collaboration and launched in June 2024. To oversee its implementation, SOLAS established a National Implementation Steering Group (ISG), bringing together key stakeholders across the sector including officials from my Department. The ISG meets regularly and I am advised that its next meeting is scheduled for June.

The ISG is responsible for guiding delivery of the 25 actions outlined in the Framework across four key areas: Learn, Provide, Coordinate, and Fund. Progress is ongoing, with a focus on priority actions and the development of delivery mechanisms. Sub-groups have been formed to support targeted areas, such as funding, collaboration, and digital strategy.

Work to date includes a sector-wide skills needs survey, planned professional development activities, and early implementation of initiatives like the Wider Benefits of Learning tool.