Ireland's economic and social problems in the 1980s spawned a new kind of community education. Key characteristics of the new community education are as follows: (1) it is a learning environment and located in the community; (2) it provides learning programs based on identified needs; (3) its control remains in the local community's hands; (4) its teaching and learning methodologies are rooted in emancipatory, humanistic values; (5) it maintains that people are capable of reaching their potential through growth and development; (6) participants' own experience is valued as the basis for learning; and (7) its intended outcomes are personal acquisition of skills, knowledge, and further directions and social and community empowerment and advancement. The processes involved in community education are underpinned by a philosophy of active participation. Ireland's recent rapid, profound social and structural changes and economic prosperity have simultaneously created skill shortages and new forms of poverty and social exclusion. Specific policy recommendations related to the following areas have been formulated to enable local community and voluntary organizations realize their full potential in addressing these issues: (1) recognition; (2) resources (funding, human resources, premises, accreditation, professionalization of community education services, support services); (3) and local, regional, and national representation. (Contains 13 references.) (MN)