"The proposed establishment of both SOLAS and a distinct Further Education sector represents the most extensive overhaul of Irish skills training in many decades," says General Secretary Michael Moriarty in his address to IVEA Congress 2012 in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Co Cavan, today, 12th September 2012. He continued:

Speaking to delegates on the opening day of the 108th Congress of the Irish Vocational Education Association, taking place this week at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, General Secretary Michael Moriarty called the current on-going structural reform of further education and training in Ireland:

'Just a few days ago, the increased numbers taking higher-level maths for the Leaving Certificate was being attributed to the 25 extra points awarded to those who obtained a D3 or better in higher level maths', says IVEA General Secretary Michael Moriarty 'Today, however, there are concerns that the bonus points have distorted the points for courses that do not require higher-level maths.'

Commenting on the 35% increase in the numbers opting for the Higher Level Maths paper, IVEA General Secretary, Michael Moriarty, highlights the following.

While today is a significant day in the lives of the Leaving Certificate class of 2012, it is important to keep this 'milestone' in perspective, says IVEA General Secretary Michael Moriarty.

As patrons of the multi-belief Community National Schools our member VECs broadly welcome Minister Quinn's announcement today that he will issue a White Paper on Pluralism and Patronage in Primary Schools in early 2013.

IVEA today welcomed Education Minister, Ruairí Quinn's announcement that, as of this September, all children transferring from primary to post primary schools will have their end of year report cards sent to their new school.

As patrons of the multi-belief Community National Schools our member VECs broadly welcome Minister Quinn's announcement today that he will issue a White Paper on Pluralism and Patronage in Primary Schools in early 2013.

IVEA extends its best wishes to all commencing either the Leaving Certificate or Junior Certificate examinations this week.
'While the Leaving Certificate, in particular, is an important event in the life of a young person, it is important to keep the event in perspective' says IVEA Education Research Officer, Pat O'Mahony'.