Building the Knowledge Society - Department of Communications ...

Building the Knowledge Society Information Society Commission 57International regulatory co-operation in the Information Society area is more likely to succeedwhere there is a clearly defined and realistic goal capable of delivering a specific outcomewithin a reasonable timescale.Recommendation 36:Ireland’s approach to international regulatory co-operation in the Information Societyfield should be based on needs and priorities.Recommendation 37:International co-operation mechanisms should include provision for technical back-up topolicy makers and enforcement agencies, for stakeholder involvement and for transparency.4.5\ Skills and LearningTaskforce on Lifelong LearningThe structural adjustment to embrace a culture of lifelong learning in the education andtraining sectors represents one of the key challenges of the emerging knowledge society.The Commission welcomes in this context the recent publication by Government of the Reportof the Taskforce on Lifelong Learning. It is also appropriate to acknowledge the progress thatis already underway in a number of key areas identified by the Taskforce, building also onthe White Paper on Adult Education produced in 2000. These include the development ofa National Framework of Qualifications; work by FÁS towards the accreditation of priorand experiential learning; the establishment earlier this year of an IT Fund of €12m beingadministered by the Higher Education Authority; an initial extension by FÁS of the rangeof courses available outside standard working hours; extension of the Training NetworksProgramme with funding of €15m approved over 3 years; establishment of the National AdultLearning Council; the Back to Education Initiative; and the workplace literacy initiative in thelocal authority sector.However, we must acknowledge that our rate of adult participation in education and trainingis low by international standards, and that significant challenges remain that must be recognisedand addressed.Recommendation 38:The agenda set out by the Taskforce on Lifelong Learning must be embraced by Governmentas a strategic priority in addressing the challenges of the emerging knowledge society.The shift that is required in the education and training sector – where many currentarrangements continue to predominantly reflect the needs of a different era – shouldbe considered in terms corresponding to the significance of the introduction of freesecond level education in 1967.