envisaged, however, that the Local Adult Learning Boards will control the fund in the future in order to best address local needs. Funds will be accessed by a competitive bidding process on the basis of a national scheme. Criteria for the scheme will be drawn up at national level in consultation with appropriate national interest groups. It is envisaged that funding would be based on a 3 year programme of activity and would address issues of premises and supporting services highlighted in the consultation process. The White Paper also acknowledges the role of Community Education groups as providers and states that the NALC will be asked to formulate a strategy for the promotion of community sector involvement in programme delivery in consultation with statutory providers and community education groups. It is envisaged that the sector would become actively involved in all aspects of provision, including curriculum planning and design, and decisions regarding pedagogical approaches.
AONTAS has campaigned for the 3R's for Community Education Recognition, Resources and Representation - since it first began working with community- based women's groups in the early nineties. We are pleased to see that the Government has recognised the vibrant and innovative work of the sector through its investment commitment as outlined in the White Paper. In our response to the Green Paper, Making an Impact, AONTAS put forward the case for investment in terms of staff, finance, support service provision and representation on local structures. All of this has been addressed in the White Paper, although there are some concerns about the mechanisms for the inclusion of the community education sector on the Local Adult Learning Boards (see section on structures). We particularly applaud the appointment of Community Education Facilitators and the way in which it is proposed they will operate at local level. AONTAS was also concerned that staff structures at local level would be mirrored at national level in order to provide co-ordination and support. This will be achieved through the establishment of the Community Education Technical Support Unit. The introduction of funding from the DES is also to be welcomed. It is important that the wish of the sector to preserve their current mechanisms of funding, particularly through the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs, has been taken on board and that provision is being made for investment in premises and support services.