'Time to Get Real about the Cinderella Sector’, say Education Spokespersons
11 Feb 2008 11:17 AM
Adult Education may be the 'Cinderella Sector' in Irish Education, but Education Spokespersons from Government and Opposition today agreed that it was time to 'get real' about adult learning, training and upskilling. They were speaking about the key issues affecting adult learners in Ireland at the National Library with an audience of learners and providers as the second AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival drew to a close.
The debate was particularly timely given an earlier announcement that some 200 new jobs are to be created in Carlow. News reports indicate that these jobs will be given to university graduates, which seriously highlights the need for government investment in upskilling and lifelong learning opportunities so that workers can make the transition. Brian Hayes, Fine Gael Spokesperson for Education, pointed out how recent job losses in Tallaght had a major impact on those workers in their 40's, and whose biggest fear and challenge would be going back to education to upskill. Ruairi Quinn, Labour Spokesperson on Education, highlighted Ireland's poor record when it comes to investment in education, given that the Irish government spends only 50% of the OECD average on education. Similarly, according to Deputy Hayes, there has been no change in investment in education since 1988, in the percentage of GDP spent, which currently stands at 4.7%, in contrast to Finland where the percentage investment stands at 7.5%. Deputy Quinn said that it was time to 'get real' and address the arrogance and complacency that had accompanied Irish economic prosperity.
Their comments also follow a report launched yesterday evening at the Educational Disadvantage Centre at ST Pats College, Drumcondra, which found that 38% of Irish people between the ages of ? had not completed their secondary education. Paul Gogarty, Green Party Spokesperson on Education said that there was a need to stop viewing the learning needs of adults, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as 'leftovers'. Senator Pearse Doherty, from Sinn Féin, pointed out that interventions are often made too late, after factories close and job losses occur.
Sean Haughey TD, current Minister for Lifelong Learning, acknowledged that although there are issues that need to be addressed, there had been progress made in terms of investment into adult education and particularly adult literacy.
The spokespersons and meeting heard two presentations - one from Siemens Ireland,a company which recognises that learning is an important driver of success in the economy. But, as Michael O'Connor, Corporate Communciations Manager with Siemens Ireland, himself an adult learner pointed out, 'adult learning is a big ask - you have to be up for it.' Stephen Stewart, a mature student currently in Maynooth University, explained the financial constraints which so often stop adult learners in their tracks. 'Tax incentives don't make much difference to people who don't earn enough money. The situation is that you need a well paid secure job to take a degree to get a well paid secure job', he said.
Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS, said she was 'heartened by some of the commitments made at the event. The Back to Education Allowance is an important issue for us at AONTAS', she continued. 'It's not good enough that people who want to continue their education have to give up their jobs to finance it.'
ENDS
For further information/media queries, contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer
01 406 8220/087 911 0569
