In 2009 AONTAS commissioned a piece of research to examine the outcomes and impact of community education in relation to the three aims that the Government has defined for it: enhancing learning; fostering empowerment, and contributing to civic society. In part, the research also responds to a need to measure the wider benefits of learning (such as social, civic and health outcomes) in order to demonstrate how investment in education can decrease state spending in other policy areas, and can contribute to the functioning of democracy and achievement of equality. It also meets a requirement at national and European level to carry out research into adult learning that supports evidence-based policy-making. It joins other nation-wide studies into the benefits of adult learning, such as those carried out in Finland and Denmark. The main research methods employed were a representative survey of 683 community education learners, eleven case studies of community education centres, surveys of personnel in the Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and interviews with key informants in community education. The survey was carried out with learners funded through the Adult Literacy and Community Education Scheme (ALCES) in the VECs. The case studies were a mix of providers funded through the Back to Education Initiative Community Strand and the ALCES budget. The research demonstrated that community education has wide ranging positive outcomes for learners, effectively engages some of the groups living with inequality in Ireland, and is very positively experienced by learners. Appended are: (1) Sample Profiles for VEC Personnel, CEFs, Case Studies and Interviews; and (2) Duties of CEFs. A glossary is included. (Contains 56 tables, 21 figures and 168 footnotes.)