To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any consideration he has given to Recommendation 3 of the Independent Review of Education to give everybody the opportunity to access basic education throughout their lifetime free of charge.

The recommendations from the Independent Review of Education are still under consideration. I am looking forward to the Education Minister bringing forward a paper to the Executive in relation to the review and I look forward to further engagement on this.

Currently, Further Education Colleges provide Essential Skills courses, in numeracy, literacy and information and communication technology, free to to those engaged in education, training or employment as well as those adults wishing to access education to improve their life skills.