I want to raise the issue of the funding cuts to education programmes at education and training boards, ETBs, this year. The Government has cut over €1.3 million from Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, GRETB's further education pathways budget. The result is that 25 teachers have been informed that they are being let go and roughly 150 classes are being cancelled. GRETB says it has been left with no other choice because of these funding cuts. The cuts will mainly affect the most essential classes, including English language classes, literacy classes as well as other areas, such as the Irish language. It is going to have a particular impact on the most vulnerable and marginalised students. I have been contacted by many students and staff who have been left absolutely devastated by this. It is a real slap in the face to teachers who have served their communities for years and are now being let go just as many of them were about to receive permanent contracts. I want a commitment that this cut will at the very least be reconsidered. It is a really cruel decision. These teachers must be kept on and these classes should go ahead. The Government needs to ensure that happens.

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