Today Mairéad Farrell TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, said the ongoing issues in the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) need to be addressed before the government calls an election.

Deputy Farrell said that she has been contacted by people working in ETBs throughout the country who have told her that budgetary issues have seen courses cancelled, promises of new contracts for staff have not been delivered, and the promised provision of sick leave and holiday pay for certain staff not delivered on.

Teachta Farrell said:

“I’ve heard there are serious concerns with those involved in the teaching of Skills to Advance Initiative, which provides upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change and to those currently employed in vulnerable sectors, have been told these courses will not be going ahead.

“The same goes for those the Skills to Compete Initiative. This provides reskilling and retraining courses. These courses focus on improving your employability and ability to compete for jobs.

“I’ve also been contacted by staff who have told me that the new contracts they were promised would provide payment for non-contact hours, sick leave and holiday pay, but this won’t happen until January, due to issues with payroll systems.

“It is clear that the Minister needs to clarify this situation urgently to ensure that it is resolved. A lot of course teachers and coordinators are limbo, wondering when these budgetary issues will be addressed. They deserve clarity and certainty. Government cannot continue to ignore this issue and must act without delay.”

ENDS