AONTAS Response to New NDP
23 Jan 2007 05:53 PM
Commenting on the new NDP, Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS, said she was disappointed it didn't contain more good news for the adult education sector.
"At first glance, it would appear the new Plan hasn't taken into account the pressing needs of the adult education sector," she said. "In our submission to the Department of Finance last year, we asked that the Plan would prioritise investment in learner supports, for example by abolishing part-time fees for adult learners. Unfortunately, this hasn't happened. Another major priority for our sector is the establishment of a national coordinating structure to guide future development of adult and community education in Ireland. Again, it is not apparent from an initial reading of the new NDP that it has given any definite commitment to ensuring such a structure is put in place. Obviously, we would be very disappointed that this is the case."
Ms. Brady said the new Plan does contain some positive signs for adult education, including an emphasis on up-skilling the workforce through education and training and on supporting guidance and childcare services for adult learners. She also welcomed the continued investment in community development services, the provision of €148m to combat gender inequality and the commitment to spend €4.2 billion on second chance, further education and third level access programmes.
Overall, however, she said the government needed to give firmer commitments to the adult education sector than what is contained in the new Plan. "We need to get detailed commitments from the government around the levels of investment in adult education, the timescale involved and their plans for the future of the sector," she said. "While this new Plan mentions adult and community education and its importance, it doesn't contain the specific commitments we need to ensure our sector can grow and develop and continue to benefit the Irish economy and society."
AONTAS will be commenting on the new NDP in greater detail at its 'Demand Your Right To Learn' event in Buswell's Hotel, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 from 8-10am on Friday, 26 January. This event will launch AONTAS' pre-election campaign. A panel of speakers made up of the Education Spokespersons from all political parties will respond to the demands outlined by AONTAS at this event.
