asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the confusion on the subject noted in the recent Industrial Development Authority report on industrial grants, he will state the areas in which (a) his Department and (b) An Chomhairle Oiliúna are responsible for the organisation and provision of technical education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Responsibility for Technical Education.
49.
The Vocational Education Act, 1930, imposes on each of the vocational education committees the duty to supply or aid the supply in accordance with that Act of technical education in its area. The Industrial Training Act, 1967, places responsibility on An Chomhairle Oiliúna to provide and to promote the provision of training at all levels for persons for the purposes of any activity of industry and commerce.
As stated by the Minister for Labour during the Second Stage of the Industrial Training Bill, An Chomhairle in the performance of its functions will not be duplicating, or setting up courses in opposition to, those already provided by vocational education committees; An Chomhairle's aim is to ensure, in consultation with my Department, that the fullest possible use is made of both existing facilities and projected new facilities provided under the educational system.