Billy Kelleher, T.D., Minister for Labour Affairs Opens the 6^th Cork Lifelong Learning Festival At Ringamahon House, Cork

Tuesday, 31^st March 2009

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher T.D., today (Tuesday 31^st March 2009) officially opened the sixth Cork Lifelong Learning Festival. On arrival, the Minister was welcomed by Willie McAuliffe, Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee and Ted Owens, CEO. City of Cork VEC.

Minister Kelleher praised the festival as being a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate lifelong learning and the achievements of all learners. The Minister said, “I am hugely impressed by the scope and scale of opportunities and services being showcased by the 230+ events during this year’s festival. It is great to see the enthusiasm for lifelong learning from both exhibitors and learners in the current challenging times we are experiencing”.He said “It is extremely important that learners everywhere are fully aware of all the education opportunities available to them as upskilling is a key factor to overcoming the challenges faced by our economy”.

The Minister continued “Learning throughout life is important for employability and personal fulfilment for all our people.Lifelong Learning provides learners with more self-confidence and promotes a more inclusive society and active citizenship. It is fantastic to see the transformation of people from participation in education, not least in the increase in their self-esteem.”

The programme of events will run from Monday March 30^th to Sunday April 5^th throughout Cork City and suburbs. Full details and a copy of the programme are available from Tina Neylon, Festival Co-ordinator at Tel. (021) 492 4527 or e-mail:

learningfestival@corkcity.ie

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