Vocational education and training in the republic of ireland: Institutional reform and policy developments since the 1960s

The central purpose of this article is to ascertain whether the system of vocational education and training in the Republic of Ireland can withstand the range of challenges that face the economy. In order to do so, a general overview of the current educational system is first presented. The nature of vocational education and training in the Republic of Ireland is then considered within the context of national training, and development institutional and policy development. The effectiveness of the various legislative measures and institutional reforms that have affected the Vocational Education and Training system in the Republic of Ireland is examined. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of the issues that face the Republic of Ireland regarding the provision and effectiveness of vocational education and training as we enter the twenty-first century.