Position Paper Education
This publication outlines NYCI education policy 2007-2010.
Equality of Access to education and lifelong/lifewide learning are integral to the
creation of an education system that is equitable and fully inclusive. The development
of an education system which is attainable to all throughout the lifecycle is vitally
important in addressing poverty and social exclusion and breaking the
intergenerational cycle of educational disadvantage.
Youth Work
· Implement the funding review of the sector and establish a structured funding
mechanism that recognises the core funding needs of organisations
· Provide the resources necessary to deliver on the commitment in the NDP and
the Programme for Government to develop a successor to the National Youth
Work Development Plan for the period 2008 – 2012.
· Allocate an additional €10m per annum to the youth work sector to continue
the implementation of key agreed priorities of both the Youth Work Act 2001
and the National Youth Work Development Plan 2003-2007.
Early School Leaving
· Government to honour its commitment to reduce early school leaving by 10%
by 2010.
· Government to provide funding to ensure that the NEWB is fully resourced in
line with “Towards 2016” by 2009.
· Raise the level of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
payment to €250 for primary school children, and to €350 for secondary
school children.
· Use the Family Income Supplement means assessment to determine eligibility
for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance i.e. use the same FIS
threshold for both two –parent and one-parent families, and assess income net
of tax and PRSI.
Class Sizes
· Government to increase investment to reduce class sizes and fulfil its
commitments in Towards 2016 and the Programme for Government.
Literacy
· Government needs to substantially increase the resources being provided to
organisations working on this issue, and to the implementation of the next
phase of the Adult Literacy Plan.
· Develop a policy on English language services to meet the needs of migrant
workers as well as asylum seekers and refugees, especially those with less than
Level 4 qualifications.
· Allocate a budget specifically for ESOL service provision separate to current
adult literacy budgets.
Lifelong Learning Strategies
· Ensure Government honours its commitment in “Towards 2016 and in the
current Programme for Government to establish a fund to alleviate part-time
fees for employees attending public institutions who have never pursued third
level education before.
· A new initiative should be established providing a systematic approach to paid
statutory educational leave, with a particular focus on supporting those with
low educational qualifications and low skilled workers to access education.
Young People as Partners in Education:
· Government fund the establishment of a support service on a three year pilot
basis as recommended in the Student Council Working Group to develop,
support and promote student councils in all second level schools in the state.
Arts and Education:
· Government to publish and adopt report of Special Committee on Arts and
Education and implements it recommendations.