AONTAS urges support for Green Party proposals for Spending in Education
26 Nov 2007 05:15 PM
AONTAS pre-budget submission earlier this month highlighted the need to increase funding for adult and community education by €80 million. This includes increased resources for initiatives which support disadvantaged adult learners to access further education, such as changes in eligibility criteria for the Back to Education Allowance, and increased funding for the Adult Education Guidance Initiative. AONTAS is also demanding greater supports for adult learners in low paid employment - such as the abolition of fees for adult learners who want to access part time higher education courses.
Speaking earlier today, Berni Brady AONTAS Director said 'In the lead up to the Budget, we have been calling on the government to make a quantum leap in investment in the adult and community education sector. Over the coming years, that will require a cumulative investment of 1% per annum of the total education budget to bring it to 10% by 2013. It is encouraging to see Deputy Gogarty recognise that increased resources will bring huge benefits to both the Irish economy and society. We would urge the government to take his proposals very seriously.
ENDS
Summary of AONTAS Pre-Budget Submission
- Implementation of the government commitment as promised in Towards 2016 'to put in place a targeted fund to alleviate the fees in public institutions for part-time courses at third level by those at work who have not previously pursued a third level qualification.' AONTAS calls on the government to allocate €20m as a start-up fund which would give those in part time higher level education parity of esteem with full time students.
- A revision of the eligibility criteria for the Back to Education Allowance to include low paid workers.
- An extra €4m to support the development and expansion of the Adult Education Guidance Initiative.
- A doubling of childcare supports for VTOS, Youthreach, Senior Travellers Training Centres and Back to Education Initiative programmes from €6,350,000 to €13m.
Note to Editors
- AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. AONTAS is a non-government membership organisation, established in 1969. Its mission is to ensure that every adult in Ireland has access to appropriate and affordable learning opportunities throughout their lives, thus enabling them to contribute to and participate in the economic, social, civic and cultural development of Irish society.
- The AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival will take place from February 4th to 8th 2008. The theme of the festival is 'Learning Matters'. For more information see www.adultlearnersfestival.com.
