Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I will say again that the Cashel LTI was fully funded by Tipperary ETB in 2024-25. I have been advised that following a comprehensive review to align services with its annual budget, Tipperary ETB made the very difficult decision not to continue funding four of its LTIs due to high costs and low learner numbers. At present, Tipperary ETB is actively exploring alternative provisions to support the learner cohort that would normally and traditionally be served by LTIs.

The idea that these people are being set adrift is absolutely not the case because Tipperary ETB is supporting them. It is looking at alternative pathways for them, but because of the low numbers that were in the course and finished it, Tipperary ETB took this difficult decision. It is trying to support students with alternative options, which sounds like a good way to progress.

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