A Step Forward for Early School-Leavers
11 Apr 2007 03:16 PM
Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS, said: "Today's announcement means that, for the first time, people in low-paid and part-time work who never had the chance to finish their schooling will now be able to access part-time BTEI courses free of charge. Prior to this, free BTEI courses were only available to people in receipt of certain social welfare or medical card benefits.
"AONTAS has consistently lobbied to have fees for part-time learners removed to ensure that everybody in the workforce has the possibility of furthering their education. Today's announcement is a heartening sign that the government is committed to upskilling those members of the workforce who didn't have the chance to complete their education the first time round.
"The government should build on this further by removing fees for adult students in part-time third level courses. That would really show a commitment to ensuring that all early school-leavers are given full support to return to learning."
The announcement on the BTEI was made by Seán Haughey TD, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, earlier today. He said that fees for the BTEI (part-time) programme for participants with less than upper second level education would be eliminated with effect from 1 September 2007.
The announcement relates directly to Demand No. 7 on AONTAS' list of 10 Demands (part of the 'Demand Your Right To Learn' election campaign):
"AONTAS demands that the BTEI continues to receive increased investment and that people earning less than €35,000 per annum be eligible for a BTEI course fee waiver."
