Local TD calls for additional CMETB funding

130 courses postponed or cancelled due to €1M shortfall.

Fianna Fáil’s Deputy Brendan Smith has indicated the “urgent need” for further funding to ensure the resumption of adult education classes across Cavan and Monaghan.

His comments come after CMETB confirmed recently that, because of a €1M deficit in funding from Solas, 130 courses have been cancelled or postponed.

Meanwhile, speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Smith said adult education classes have been extremely important for a huge number of learners on an annual basis. “They have enabled people to develop skills and obtain qualifications that literally changed their lives,” Deputy Smith said.

“Plans to put tutors’ employment on a proper footing were due to be implemented but that implementation had now been pushed back to next January. The Department of Further Education or Solas or both need to ensure that additional funding is allocated without delay to enable classes that were due to start this month to resume. It is extremely important for learners and tutors.”