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Sligo Chamber expresses concern over St. Angela’s recommendation

Sligo Chamber has expressed grave concern in relation to the recommendation of an international review group to transfer of St. Angela’s College Teacher Training Programme to NUIG and has called on Minister Rurai Quinn to maintain St. Angela’s College as the provider of Initial Teacher Education in Home Economics in the region.

President Linda Moffitt states “St. Angela’s College Sligo is founded on many years of education tradition and has a proven track record of excellence for training Home Economics teachers, attracts the highest caliber of student and produces teaching graduates to rival the best in the world. Originally the sole provider of Home Economics Teachers in Ireland the Department of Health’s approval of the School of Nursing and Health Studies has resulted in a dramatic increase in student numbers which currently stand at 950."

Ms Moffitt continued, "With increased  student numbers and a staff of 150 the contribution by St. Angela’s to the social and economic development of the region is estimated to be in the region of €8-10m. While the benefits of transforming our institutes of education to create a more integrated and specialized teacher training model is to be welcomed to close an existing centre of excellence is not in line with this plan. In addition Sligo Chamber fears that the emerging divide between the North West and the rest of the country will continue to expand unless a commitment to invest in infrastructure to support the development of education is received.

"This is why, it is important, now more than ever, to maintain a strategic focus on all the region’s needs. higher education institutions, in particular, are recognised as drivers of economic development and a highly educated and skilled workforce is the engine of a knowledge economy. Investing in the educational infrastructure is vital to delivering sustainable regional development. Without due focus and investment, it will become increasingly difficult to attract further investment and industry. As Minister for Education and Skills, I urge you to review the expert report on the Structure of Initial Teacher Education and maintain St. Angela’s College as the provider of Initial Teacher Education in Home Economics in the region," the Chamber president concluded.

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