'Profoundly short-sighted,' Tipperary TD slams cuts to training programmes
Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath condemned the cuts
Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath has expressed serious concern and deep disappointment at the decision by Tipperary Education and Training Board to cut a number of Local Training Initiative programmes across South Tipperary due to budget constraints imposed by SOLAS for 2025.
Deputy McGrath has been contacted by several community organisations that have been informed their LTI programmes will not be continuing this year, including Cahir Development Association, Spafield Family Resource Centre, Cashel, Knockanrawley, Resource Centre, Tipperary Town, and Littleton Community Programme.
“These LTI programmes are more than educational opportunities – they are critical supports for early school leavers, long-term unemployed people, and those seeking a second chance through training and personal development,” said Deputy McGrath.
“I acknowledge the correspondence received from Tipperary ETB outlining the serious national funding constraints facing the Further Education and Training sector this year. However, the decision to eliminate community-based LTIs, which served over 40 learners across four sites, is profoundly short-sighted and represents a disproportionate impact on the most marginalised.”
Tipperary ETB has stated that no current learners are affected, as all 2024 participants have completed their accreditation cycles.
However, Deputy McGrath insists that this is not the case as many in Spafield Resource Centre had completed Level 4 and had planned on progressing to their Level 5 programme this coming September so this statement from the ETB offers little comfort to prospective learners and the community organisations now left in limbo: “While I understand the financial pressures on the ETBs, this is a policy failure at national level. The Department of Further and Higher Education and SOLAS must take immediate steps to review and revise the 2025 funding allocation. These schemes are a proven investment in people, dignity, and opportunity. Removing them undermines years of community development and progress.”
Deputy McGrath has raised the issue in Dáil Éireann and has called on Minister James Lawless, Minister of State Marian Harkin, SOLAS, and Tipperary ETB to urgently reassess the decision and explore every possible avenue to restore funding and safeguard access to community education.
“These cuts strike at the heart of disadvantaged communities. The State cannot claim to support social inclusion while pulling the rug from under those who need it most.”