We are calling on the next Government to make transformative and progressive policy changes that will ensure those furthest behind in our education system are prioritised first.
This is essential if we are to have equality in Ireland.
We want to see these changes included in the new Programme for Government.
This includes reforming the financial support system for adult learners and committing to sustainable, multi-annual funding for community education.
We know there are still barriers that are holding learners back in their education, and that people’s basic needs are not being met.
The changes we have outlined will allow everyone to access learning throughout their lives.
We have also detailed quick wins to support adult learners – including increasing social welfare and disability payments – and quick wins to support adult and community education providers – including ensuring secure and stable contracts.
These are changes that elected representatives could enact swiftly, and they would have real impact.
Hot on the heels of Budget 2025 and in the run-up to the General Election, we are launching our manifesto on “Transforming Adult and Community Education” on Wednesday 2 October 2024 in Leinster House.
Adult learners and practitioners in the sector will join us for the event.
TDs, senators, and Leinster House staff are invited to drop in, chat with learners and providers and hear about their experiences, pick up a copy of the manifesto, and listen to the presentation.
A discussion of the asks in the manifesto will be led by our CEO Dearbháil Lawless and our Head of Advocacy Conor Thompson.
We will then have a panel discussion facilitated by our Head of Communications Rachael Ryan.
The event is invitation-only, but we will be publishing the manifesto on our website and sharing details about the event on social media on the day.
For more information or queries, contact Conor at cthompson@aontas.com