Adult education loses out in budget

COURSES for adults should have been given the same protection as school funding in the budget, according to the body representing city and county Vocational Education Committees (VECs).

While pupil-teacher ratios have not increased, school budgets avoided cuts and many grants have been restored at primary and second level, the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) said not enough was done to provide for people needing vital training.

“It appears that Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are not being included in the 26,000 extra training places announced in the budget, even though we were hoping there would be a cap on the 31,500 places currently allowed by funding,” said IVEA general secretary Michael Moriarty. “These courses are all over-subscribed and are perfectly equipped to meet the training needs of job seekers and young people looking for new skills.”