Irish Vocational Education Association

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IVEA Regrets Withdrawal of Funding for Summer Works Schemes
10 November 2011
Statement by Michael Moriarty, General Secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA)
IVEA notes with regret the indication in today's announcement by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn regarding capital investment in schools, that summer works or minor works are unlikely to be funded in coming years.
IVEA is not unaware of the desperate state of the public finances, but there is much to be said in favour of the retention of summer works as they are absolutely essential for maintaining the basic fabric of the schools network. We must learn from the lessons of the 1980s, when, during a previous recession, public buildings and roads deteriorated drastically, and required substantial subsequent funding for repairs.
Investment in school buildings is an investment in the future. Summer works schemes also provide much-needed local employment. I would exhort the Minister to reconsider his decision in view of the economic, social and educational benefits associated with these works.
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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