Smith: Funding urgently needed for deferred Cavan Monaghan adult education classes

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Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has said there is an urgent need for further funding to ensure the resumption of adult education classes in Cavan and Monaghan.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Smith said that some adult education classes planned for the autumn had been deferred.

“Adult education classes have been extremely important for a huge number of learners on an annual basis. They have enabled people to develop skills and obtain qualifications that literally changed their lives,” Deputy Smith said.

“In Cavan-Monaghan, thanks to the good work of the education and training boards (ETBs) over many years, we have had active and dynamic programmes. Unfortunately, a number of the planned autumn programmes in adult education in Cavan and Monaghan have been deferred.

“ETBs were encouraged to extend the range of courses and now the necessary funding has not been provided. This has caused serious disappointment and anger among learners, who in many instances were in the middle of courses.

The Cavan Monaghan TD said plans to put tutors’ employment on a proper footing were due to be implemented but that implementation had now been pushed back to next January.

“The Department of Further Education or Solas or both need to ensure that additional funding is allocated without delay to enable classes that were due to start this month to resume. It is extremely important for learners and tutors that the Department and Solas deal with the matter with the utmost urgency.”

Minister Paschal Donohoe, in response, said the Government had put in place a new grade for adult educators. The role was formally established in Apri.

“The Cavan and Monaghan ETBs have confirmed that some classes have been deferred. I understand Education and Training Boards Ireland is now working through the process and has made the decision to postpone the roll-out of those contracts until January. I will raise the matter with the Minister for further and higher education, because the Deputy is concerned about the impact this will have on students and those who were due to do the work,” he said.