Speaking today, TUI President Don Ryan said:

“It is shocking and abhorrent that the most vulnerable in society would be targeted in this manner. The School Completion Programme assists young people who are experiencing educational disadvantage and any attack on this or similar services is unacceptable.

For a small financial rebate the Department would jeopardise the future of scores of vulnerable young people around the country and effectively contribute to the problem of early school leaving. It is simply unfathomable.

Furthermore, at the time when the pay budget cuts were announced earlier in the summer, it was stated by the Department that frontline educational services would not be affected.

TUI sought a meeting with the Minister and the Department when the original cutback announcement was made seeking urgent clarification on the matter. We are still waiting for this meeting. ”