asked the Minister for Labour the progress that has been made within the EEC to implement a common policy on vocational training.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Training.
30.
General guidelines for the development of vocational training at community level were accepted by the Council of the EEC on 21st July, 1971. Following the Summit Meeting of October, 1972, a draft of a new programme of action for the implementation of a common policy of vocational training was submitted to the Council of Ministers. This programme will be considered in the context of the overall social action programme of the EEC. In the meantime some preliminary measures have been taken by the commission towards the implementation of a common vocational training programme.
May I take it that people qualified from vocational schools will have the same status when they are seeking employment as people qualified from universities?
I presume this will hold but the setting up of the centre by the EEC is at a very early stage. It is too soon to say what guidelines they will set down.
Is it not true that there have been complaints by students and teachers that the people in vocational schools have a feeling of being secondclass citizens?
This is certainly broadening the scope of the question.
I do not know about that feeling, but if the Deputy has any grounds for concern in this area I will be happy to hear them.