Greater investment in adult education is needed. Today, adult education tutors are marching from SOLAS to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. They argue this is a “Fight against job cuts. Fight against precarious employment. Fight for decent contracts”.
Whilst some tutors in the sector have accepted new contracts and improved terms, there seems to be a lack of consistency nationally. “Adult educators are being told that they have no jobs to go to in September. It’s happening across the country. There are possibly hundreds of workers affected. They’re hardworking, dedicated teachers,” James O’Keeffe, a spokesperson for the Adult Education Teachers Association, shared with the Irish Times in July of this year.
AONTAS is fully supportive of better pay and conditions, and we recognise the value of tutors and educators who provide vital support to learners in communities across Ireland. Learners praise tutor support, and this is evident through the research we conduct in collaboration with Education and Training Boards: “There’s a great deal of respect for the tutors and respect from the tutors as well.” (2024, p.43) Considering the diverse profile of FET learners and barriers faced, caring and helpful tutors are central to their learning.
This issue seems to reflect a far greater funding challenge in FET. Learner figures continue to grow, and policy priorities like apprenticeships are unintentionally impacting ETB budgets due to the high-level costs associated with machinery, equipment, and other resources. Community education groups have also faced challenges in accessing funding, with some having vital tutor hours cut. On the one hand, funding has increased, and there are ongoing activities to try and meet the needs of the FET sector. Yet, on the other hand, it is still not enough.
For this reason, AONTAS calls for greater investment in adult education. The budget provided to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science needs to reflect the integral role that FET plays in Irish society and in our economy and reflect the growth and impact of FET. Increased public and government support can help to address important issues like tutor pay and contracts, learner financial support, and provide for suitable budgets for key programmes like community education and apprenticeships.
