This Government is committed to putting the needs of learners first and giving communities much greater opportunity to make their voices heard and take on new responsibilities. In the past, some have seen community education as on the margins, that must no longer be the case. There are many dedicated and professional community education workers, full and part-time, as well as those who give their time voluntarily to help learning in communities. I am unstinting in my praise for the efforts of the many dedicated and professional staff and volunteers, who give much to help learning in communities.

Too many people in Scotland have low expectations and lack the skills including literacy skills, to make the progress for themselves and their communities, which they want. People need to be empowered as stakeholders in their communities. They deserve to be empowered as stakeholders in their communities. Learning has a crucial role to play in helping them take charge of their own destiny.

This report outlines a vision for a modern Scotland that is a dynamic learning society. It envisages community learning as a key mechanism for tackling social issues. I am grateful to members of the Working Group for their patience, time and expertise. Their efforts have resulted in a step change in thinking and clarity of purpose. Their proposals are radical, but achievable, and they have my full support.

The Government's view is clear. We aim to integrate community learning into local authority planning. We shall develop national and local targets and proper quality assurance to improve accountability. The whole of the education system, other public services and the voluntary and private sectors must work together if this vision is to be realised.

The Working Group, through this report has provided vision. Change is needed if we are to make the dynamic, inclusive, learning society of tomorrow a reality. The route to achieving that vision begins here. I will do what I can, as will all of Government, but ultimately, the new Scotland will come when communities join together to build that new society.