Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I thank the Deputy. I recognise she really cares about this, as I do, but Tipperary ETB is in charge of its own decisions when it comes to what courses it will provide. It has looked at what happened last year, what the student intake was and how it can best provide for all of the students in Tipperary, who are being supported. It is important to say that Tipperary ETB has requested contact details of current and prospective LTI learners in order to provide personalised guidance and support in their educational options. It has advised that it is exploring options to support learners who would typically be served by LTIs. It provides a range of level 5 courses across the county, including flexible, part- and full-time training programmes, ensuring accessible pathways for learning. To be fair, responding to growing demand, Tipperary ETB advised that it remains committed to meeting learner needs within current funding limits. I genuinely believe it is doing the very best it can.

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