AONTAS outlines priorities for Budget Estimates
15 Nov 2006 11:44 AM
AONTAS is calling on the Government to use Budget 2007 to rejuvenate adult education services in Ireland by increasing funding in key areas. The organisation has listed the Back to Education Initiative, guidance projects for adult learners and the National Adult Literacy Programme as three areas in serious need of increased funding next year.
AONTAS also hopes that Budget 2007 will provide for the establishment of a national coordinating structure for adult education and abolish part-time fees for first degrees.
Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS, said the adult education sector is hopeful that tomorrow's Budget Estimates will finally contain some good news. "Our sector operates on minimal funding," she said. "It has received only 2% of the national education budget for the last three years and, if this percentage doesn't increase soon, the sector is going to seriously suffer as a result. All of those involved in adult learning are really hopeful that the Government will use Budget 2007 to finally prove it has a commitment to lifelong learning and adult education."
