05 October, 2007 - Minister Michael Ahern launches the Final Report of the National Guidance Forum - ‘today is a milestone in the history of guidance’- Minister Ahern

Michael Ahern, T.D., Minister for Innovation Policy today launched the final report of the National Guidance Forum. The report entitled Guidance for Life: An Integrated Framework for Lifelong Learning in Ireland was launched in the Department of Education and Science, Marlborough St., Dublin.
 
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ahern said "the report provides an opportunity for the Departments of Education and Science and Enterprise, Trade and Employment  to move forward in the provision of a guidance service that underpins national priorities in lifelong learning."
 
Speaking about the demand for guidance Minister Ahern said " we  must  ensure the comprehensive availability of guidance services, with clearly articulated progression pathways, which will improve the life chances and labour market prospects of all those who avail of them. We must continue to work in partnership with statutory agencies, social partners and community agencies to develop targeted and co-ordinated approaches in both formal education and training and in community-based services."
 
Minister Ahern went on to say "the Forum's definition of guidance identifies the importance of facilitating individuals, at any point in their lives, to reach their potential and achieve personal fulfilment. Guidance practitioners have a special role in facilitating individuals to harness their personal strengths and talents so that they can avail of opportunities, gain personal fulfilment and, at the same time, contribute to the economic development and social cohesion of their country."
 
Going on to speak about the  various elements of the work of the Forum, Minister Ahern said, "the Forum has provided a national lifelong guidance framework which outlines for the first time in Ireland the knowledge, skills and competencies that guidance aims to develop among individuals.  It will go a long way to support guidance practitioners in delivering a cohesive, integrated guidance service across the lifespan and to help others understand what is involved and expected."

In taking the opportunity to  announce the commitment made by  the Departments of Education and Science and Enterprise , Trade and Employment to be involved in the European Lifelong  Guidance  Policy Network , the Minister said  ?the objective of the Network is to promote cooperation among members in the development of national policies and systems for lifelong guidance.  Ireland's involvement in the Network will provide exciting opportunities to learn alongside our European partners and also, to share our achievements and experiences with others."
 
In commending the Forum on its success in reaching an agreed position on key aspects of guidance among a wide range of organisations and agencies, the Minister said "the Forum was a perfect example of the co-operation among guidance providers that is recommended by international experts."
 
Minister Ahern concluded by saying "Guidance for Life: An Integrated Framework for Lifelong Guidance in Ireland is an impressive accomplishment.  It will inform the development of a national lifelong guidance service for this country for the future and I congratulate everyone associated with its development."
 
Ends

Editor's Note:

National Guidance Forum

The Forum was established in 2004 as part of the programme of events of the Irish Presidency of the European Union.  It was a joint initiative of the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The remit of the Forum was to;

• Explore how individuals, at any point throughout their lives, can access quality guidance appropriate to their needs
• Identify collaborative action across the guidance continuum 
• Agree recommendations for a lifelong guidance strategy in collaboration with other stakeholders 

Membership comprised the education and labour market sectors.

•  During its term the Forum agreed a common vision and definition of guidance across the education, labour market and community sectors.