PEACEFUL PROTEST Members of the Karen Burmese community gathered on Castlebar's Mall last Friday morning to have a picnic and protest at the imminent closure of Integrate Ireland Language Training Ltd. Pic: Michael Donnelly
VEC to take over refugee language services
Áine Ryan
THE DEPARTMENT of Education has been warned there will be huge ‘ramifications’ arising from its shock decision to transfer the teaching services provided for refugees by Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT) to the country’s VECs (Vocational Education Committees).
However, a Mayo VEC spokesman told The Mayo News yesterday (Monday) that it has the experience and capacity to maintain these services and will ensure their continuity after they are transferred at the end of July next. VEC Adult Education Officer, Mr Pat Higgins, also confirmed the controversial decision will be discussed at this Thursday’s VEC meeting.
Speaking at a protest in Castlebar last Friday, Mr Dara Brophy – the Principal teacher in the Castlebar IILT centre – said his organisation had not been consulted about the decision and that the entire process lacked transparency.
While Mr Brophy conditionally welcomed the idea of ‘streamlining the services’, he stressed that the facilities were not simply about ‘teaching English’.
“This was one of the few solid investments the Department [of Integration] had made towards integration. We have also played a role in advising and educating the refugees about social services. Part of our mission was to help them devise a career plan and to help them access FÁS, for example,” said Mr Brophy.
He made his comments to The Mayo News at a protest picnic on Castlebar’s historic Mall last Friday morning, June 20. The gathering included many of the Burmese Karen refugees who were relocated to Castlebar and Ballina late last year.
Mr Brophy also observed that IILT provided 20 hours of language teaching per week which was ‘saturation point’.
“This is not a criticism of the VEC but such services are not within its remit. It generally provides three hours of language classes per week,” added Mr Brophy, who, however, also praised Mayo VEC’s supportive role in general.
Mr Mervyn Morrissey – IILT’s Programme Co-Ordinator in Dublin – said its entire national operations cost around €2.5 million last year.
“We demand a clear solution to this issue from the Department of Education. This can’t be about cost-saving, whatever the solution, it can’t save money,” said Mr Morrissey.
He also acknowledged the support of Mayo VEC’s Adult Education Officer, Mr Pat Higgins, and Mayo County Council’s Declan Turnbull, who are both members of the Mayo Immigrants Forum.
Mr Pat Higgins confirmed to The Mayo News that the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) was in ongoing discussions with the Department of Education with a view towards the continued provision of the services.
“The VEC has both the experience and capacity to maintain these services. We have already been providing language services at the National Orientaion Centre in Ballyhaunis for the teenage cohort,” said Mr Higgins.
He also observed that the VEC is ‘experienced in mainstreaming programmes piloted by NGOs’.
“The protocols for mainstreaming must be worked out now and there must also be a decision about where the [present] teachers stand,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Cllr Johnny Mee strongly criticised the move.
“This was a disgraceful decision by the Government. These are vulnerable people who escaped shocking circumstances.
“The people of Castlebar and Ballina have welcomed them with open arms. I will certainly be impressing the urgency of the situation at next Thursday’s VEC meeting,” said Cllr Mee.
IILT has provided support for over 3,000 refugees and newcomers since 1999 and has been recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for integration. On July 31 next over 40 experienced language teachers are set to lose their jobs.
