Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

The Minister of State said that €200 is a modest amount. It is only modest relative to the amount of money one has in one's pocket. Like many teachers in this sector I am concerned that the people who do not have this €200 will not be able to upskill. While €200 may be a modest amount to some people it is quite a lot to others, bearing in mind cuts in people's salaries and so on. I am concerned that this charge will discourage rather than encourage people to upskill. I accept we are in a crisis in terms of resources. However, this charge does not send out the right signal to the people in this sector and does nothing to assist in encouraging the knowledge economy. People who participate in these courses also incur costs in terms of transport and so on. A €200 per annum fee is a big stake for those wishing to upskill. I believe this is a negative step in regard to educating and upskilling people. Also, it contradicts what the Government is trying to do in terms of its jobs strategy.

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