Irish Vocational Education Association

An Cumann Gairmoideachais in Éirinn

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IVEA Welcomes LRC Intervention in Public Services Dispute
25 January 2010
Statement by Michael Moriarty, General Secretary, on behalf of the IVEA & Member VECs
Today Michael Moriarty, General Secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) representing Ireland's 33 VECs welcomed the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) by its Chief Executive, Kieran Mulvey, in the looming crisis of industrial unrest which is about to threaten the delivery of public services.
"I welcome this pro-active action by Mr Mulvey and I hope that government, unions and employers can respond with an openness to address all options."
"The moratorium on appointments in the education sector has demoralised staff who have already been greatly hit by both the pension levy and salary cuts. Public service employees feel victimised as they believe they now carry a disproportionate share of the burden of the billions of euro of public debt which has arisen from the reckless actions of developers and bankers.
"The education sector and its services are very badly strained and the delivery of some services will be threatened in the near future unless there is intervention and dialogue.
"Partnership at national level has been a powerful driver of change at both national and local level. Common objectives and shared visions have built the prosperity of this nation. Conflict and industrial unrest will have the opposite effect.
"VECs cater for 100,000 second-level students and 200,000 adult students. An era of conflict and go-slows will not serve the interests of these students. I am hopeful therefore that this invitation to talks at the LRC will be accepted by all sides so that irreversible damage is not inflicted over the next twelve months to our already strained education system."
The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) is the representative body for the 33 Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) in Ireland, and works to protect, promote and enhance the interests of vocational education and training within the wider education sector and the country at large.
VEC/PLC Colleges have developed a range of programmes and courses in response to the needs of industry and commerce which are certified by FETAC at levels 3 to 6, and by the professional bodies which set standards for entry into the professions.
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