A 6-month consultation process was conducted to identify changes needed in Ireland's system of adult education in the era of lifelong learning. The following issues were addressed: (1) financial barriers for adults wishing to return to education; (2) the lack of access to mainstream programs of education and training; (3) the lack of information and guidance services to meet adult learners' needs; (4) the lack of properly funded childcare facilities; (5) the discrepancy between opportunities available to long-term unemployed individuals and individuals in low-paid jobs; and (6) the lack of progression routes from basic education to higher education and training programs and between the formal and nonformal sectors. The following were among the recommendations that emerged from the consultation: (1) current finance systems must be evaluated in the context of equality of opportunity, particularly for students in part-time or modular degree programs; (2) to permit upskilling of the existing workforce, paid educational leave should be considered; (3) adult education in the context of an expanded service must be based in locally accessible premises; (4) all adult education practitioners should have opportunities to participate in professional training; and (5) local communities must play a key role in developing their own education. (22 references) (MN)