Government must continue to fund professional and lifelong learning courses in this vital sector

11th February 2010 – The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Ireland (CILT)*, Paul Mallee, has said that professional development in the areas of transport and logistics is vital to the continued presence of many of the multinational companies based in Ireland.

Mr Mallee was speaking in response to a keynote address by the Minister for Education, Batt O’Keeffe TD, at the CILT Annual Dinner in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, this evening.

Mr Mallee commented, “As a Nation, we should work towards and support the concept of continuous professional development to foster and grow the knowledge economy we have created. 

“Historically, FAS provided funding of up to 70% for students enrolled on our Diploma and Certificate programmes. Our National economic circumstances have seen this support fall away recently but I sincerely hope that a return to these vital funding mechanisms will coincide with any upturn in the economy.

“The professional qualifications that we offer are unique, and benefit the entire economy. The supply chains that our students learn to mange belong to some of the many celebrated multinational companies who have decided to locate here in Ireland precisely because of the specialist training, education, and dedication of our workforce.

“Our economy must ensure that this expertise is fostered and developed so as to ensure the continued presence of many of the multinational companies that are currently supporting our economy, and provide our best hope of building towards recovery.

“I would like to appeal, therefore, to the Government to maintain funding for training and lifelong learning courses such as those we operate to ensure that professionals are equipped with the necessary skills for recovery. I am fully aware of the new financial reality, but I think that if education and the development of the Smart Economy are the priorities, then we should continue to resource the education sector to the best of our abilities.”

ENDS - For more info please contact Ronan Farren, Q4 PR, 01 475 1444 / 087 934 0386

*The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), established in 1919, is a membership based organisation with over 30,000 members in more than 30 countries.  CILT is the independent professional body for those engaged in logistics and all modes of transport, enhancing the professional knowledge and competence of its members through comprehensive training, continuing professional development and certified educational programmes.