45126-Invest. Qual-No111

The Report of the Taskforce on Lifelong Learning was recentlypublished. It addresses a range of key issues such as the nationalqualifications framework, guidance and information, access andflexible provision, learning leave and training in employment whichare required to upgrade skills and qualifications across theworkforce (Government of Ireland, 2002). The Taskforce focusedprimarily on adult learners. The framework established by theTaskforce has the following essential elements:●Developing and implementing the National Framework ofQualifications;● Ensuring basic skills for all;● Providing comprehensive guidance and information;● Addressing delivery, access and funding issuers; and● Better learning opportunities in the workplace and for workers.The Taskforce concluded that work remained to be done on, amongother things the modularisation and accreditation of courses, openand distance learning, learning leave and the removal or reductionof some of the barriers to the funding of part time education formature students. A report by the European Foundation for theImprovement of Living and Working Conditions noted that Irelandlags many of its European counterparts in the promotion of lifelonglearning in the context of collective bargaining (EuropeanFoundation, 2002c). The Council believes that meeting thechallenge of lifelong learning is critical if Ireland is to combineproductivity and individual well being. To do so will requireinnovation on the part of the training and education institutions,employers, the social partners and individuals.A recent FÁS study on company training found that 79 per cent ofIrish companies carried out some form of training. Companies spent€364 million on training in 1999, representing 2.4 per cent of theirlabour costs. Average expenditure was €600 per employee, or €1450per person trained. However, employees of larger firms were twiceas likely to receive training as employees of small firms. Foreigncompanies were also more likely to train than indigenous561