I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work carried out by tutors delivering English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programmes in the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) since 2022 in response to the significant demand arising from the arrival of people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Their efforts have been critical in supporting integration and access to education for those affected.
It is my view that legislation is not required to create teachers for a specific subject within the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. ESOL provision is already delivered by staff employed under existing grades and terms, including tutors and the newly established Adult Educator grade which enables the service to be delivered in accordance with the needs of the learners, including summer and evening provision. This ensures an agile FET system with an ability to be responsive to dynamic local education, training and community needs. Such staff, and their contracts and hours, are managed within the parameters of employment law including the Fixed Term Workers Act 2003.
It should also be noted that individual ETBs are the employers and, as such, are responsible for staffing matters with Ministerial consents and approvals as may be determined from time to time.
