Godfrey Timmins
Ceist:40 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the current vocational education system in this country; and if not, the plans, if any, she has to change the system. [18806/95]
Written Answers. - Vocational Education System.
The White Paper on Education Charting our Education Future sets out Government policy in this area. The vocational education system will continue to play a significant role in the development and provision of education services. It has been decided that there will be legislative reform and rationalisation of the Vocational Education Committee system.
The amending legislation for the vocational education committees will provide for the retention of the vocational education committees, with a substantial local authority involvement, with responsibility for:—
the second level schools currently under their remit;
ownership of their schools;
employment of staff;
appointment of boards of management to their schools.
The legislation will also provide for the recognition of the vocational education committees as providers in the following areas, in addition to the general junior and senior cycle programmes at second level:—
vocational education and training, including Post-Leaving Certificate courses;
adult and continuing education;
outcentres;
the arts in education;
operation of outdoor education centres;
The Commission on School Accommodation Needs, which will be established shortly, will, as a first task, examine the existing vocational education committee structure and report and make recommendations on the rationalisation of vocational education committees. The report and recommendations wil be set in the context of the establishment, functions and responsibilities of the proposed regional education boards. The Commission will also have full regard to the key principles and policy aims set out in the White Paper.
The Commission will report within three months of its establishment and its report will be published. The legislative rationalisation of vocational education committees will be implemented in advance of the formal establishment of education boards, taking full account of the recommendations of the Commission.