Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

Funding for further education and training has been cut by approximately €40 million. In my own area under the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, the funding cut is in the region of €14 million. That is very significant and will have an impact on apprenticeships and further education courses. They will be delayed, postponed or cancelled. We have also been contacted by adult education teachers who are already dreadfully treated. They are being told they will not have jobs in September. They will be protesting about this outside the Dáil next Wednesday at 1 p.m. Does this concern the Minister at a time when we need apprenticeships and tradespeople? What will he do to ensure this funding is restored and these courses and jobs are protected?

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