Irish Vocational Education Association

An Cumann Gairmoideachais in Éirinn

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IVEA Responds to Programme for Government for National Recovery 2011
07 March 2011
"The commitment to provide greater autonomy to schools to raise educational standards is a welcome if yet vague commitment of the new government's Programme for Government. What is important however is the commitment to implement five year development plans as a means of establishing a coherent strategy to enhance the educational provision in our schools" says IVEA's General Secretary, Michael Moriarty.
Mr. Moriarty continues; "While greater efficiencies will support the objective of improving educational outcomes this cannot be a resource neutral objective. Already, the education system is maximising outcomes with fewer resources. The greatest resource to the education sector is the availability of high calibre, highly motivated teachers with confident school leadership. School leadership is a key figure as the driver for change and there is an urgent need to examine why the principal's role as school leader, in many cases, is proving unattractive to potential applicants. As the principal will be key to the strategic character of the school's education plan, the role of principal must be further supported."
On the issue of national literacy standards Mr. Moriarty states: "Making literacy a national cause is a welcome initiative and the specific commitments to dedicated daily timeframes as well as upskilling the teacher cohort are essential if Ireland's low rankings on the international PISA survey are to be reversed."
Commenting on school patronage Mr. Moriarty states: "The proposed forum on patronage and pluralism in the Primary Sector is a welcome initiative. The proposed White Paper must ensure that pluralism and diversity in Irish society is respected and acknowledged in regard to the provision of schools."
"In an increasingly multi-cultural and multi-belief society the local school will need to cater for all beliefs and none. The multi-denominational model must become a viable school option in the future if local community needs are to be fully addressed."
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.
VECs deliver a wide range of educational services, from managing community national schools, second-level schools and colleges, Post Leaving Certificate colleges (PLCs) and education centres to providing training programmes for Travellers, adult literacy courses, prisoner education services, Youthreach programmes, Vocational Training Opportunities Schemes, and community education programmes.
VEC PLCs 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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