asked the Minister for Education if she has met with school authorities and teachers' unions in relation to the provision of vocational preparation courses; and if they have expressed any reservations in relation to any aspect of the courses.
682.
Written Answers. - Vocational Preparation and Training Programme.
681.
asked the Minister for Education the precise arrangements being made regarding the provision of a second year for vocational preparation courses and the form of certification to be given on completion of this course.
683.
asked the Minister for Education if she will give a complete list of all post primary schools by sector that have received sanction for a vocational preparation course; the number of pupils in each school availing of such a course; and the additional staff, either full time or part time, allocated to each school arising from this course.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 681, 682 and 683 together. During meetings which representatives of the school authorities and teachers' unions have had with me and officials of my Department discussions have taken place in regard to the introduction of the vocational preparation and training programme. These discussions have ranged over all aspects of the programme and I have noted the views of the interests concerned. These views are being taken into consideration by my Department in the context of the future development of the programme. The nature and content of a second year for the programme are being examined by my Department at present. However the introduction of this second year will be contingent on the availability of ESF funding.
The question of certification is also being examined in my Department at present and proposals in this regard will be brought forward for discussion with the relevant interests as a matter of urgency. It is not the practice to give details of the type requested by the Deputy in relation to individual schools.