Statement by Michael Moriarty, General Secretary re: Budget 2015
While welcoming the consolidation of class sizes through the recruitment of additional teachers and the allocation of funding to maintain Further Education and Training places, I am disappointed that there is no capital allocation for the Further Education sector. It remains a matter of serious concern for ETBI that this Fourth Pillar in the education sector is the only pillar that does not have a capital allocation. Further education facilities require to be maintained and upgraded and there is a constant need for new facilities in the Further Education and Training sector. The lack of a capital budget could be seen as disadvantaging a sector which caters for a significant cohort of pupils from a disadvantaged background.
I welcome the funding for the Literacy and Numeracy strategy but I am disappointed that the 1% reduction in school capitation has been implemented notwithstanding the improvement in the economy.