The further education sector is being stifled by the Government due to its failure to implement a key report, it was claimed today.

IT would be hard to exaggerate the importance of further education as a major source of lifelong learning and a key tool in providing skilled and trained workers for Ireland’s expanding workforce.

TEACHERS in the further education sector may consider going on strike if the Government does not deliver long-sought funding in next week’s budget, a union leader warned last night.

Junior Minister Síle de Valera has announced her intention to create a council to oversee the work of further education colleges.