James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

There have been no cuts to funding on my watch. However, there are localised situations. The ETBs are the employers and they have local engagement with their staff and there are different arrangements. When I attended the TUI conference, the sense I took from people on the floor and the executive was that there was a broad welcome for the adult educator grade being established. I note that I got a round of applause from the floor when I mentioned my commitment to it. I left the conference with the impression that the TUI was pleased to have the adult educator grade established. It had gone through the industrial relations mechanisms and this was the output and the TUI was happy to endorse it. That was my understanding from the conference and from my engagement with the TUI before and after. There will always be groups that are somewhat unhappy with different outcomes. I do not know enough of the details to start commenting on what groups may or may not be on board with this. I am in ongoing discussions with the trade unions in the sector, such as IFUT, SIPTU and Fórsa. It is not really my role as Minister to get involved in the details of that because we have to respect the industrial relations mechanisms of the State which are there for that purpose. It can actually be unhelpful if a Minister starts getting involved. It can be detrimental to the outcomes. I note the issue and I am working with the unions. My understanding is that, in the round, a majority welcome the new grade but I appreciate there may be some who still have issues.