Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 8

Written Answers. - Vocational Education and Training.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

46 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education if she will define the role of her Department in relation to vocational education and training, in the context of the Programme for Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Creed

Question:

58 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will define the role of her Department in relation to vocational education and training, in the context of the Programme for Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Austin Currie

Question:

69 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education if she will define the role of her Department in relation to vocational education and training, in the context of the Programme for Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Patrick D. Harte

Question:

108 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Education if she will define the role of her Department in relation to vocational education and training, in the context of the Programme for Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 58, 69 and 108 together. I am circulating to the Deputies a statement outlining a range of programmes of initial vocational education and training and infrastructural development operated by my Department within the context of the current EC-funded Community Support Framework.

Insofar as the Deputies' questions relate to the provision of the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997, they will be aware that the Government is committed to ensuring that the respective roles of the Departments of Education and Enterprise and Employment will be defined more clearly in relation to vocational education and training to ensure a better service.

The Programme further provides for rationalisation of the wide range of training and employment schemes operated by my Department and FÁS so as to respond better to the needs of local employers, workers and job-seekers. In this context, the House will be aware that an Action Group, representative of the Education and Training sectors, is at present examining the issues involved including the establishment of a National Education and Training Certification Board. I expect this Action Group will submit proposals for consideration by the respective Ministers, within the next three months.

A National Development Plan is in preparation and the Deputies can be assured that my Department's proposals for inclusion in this Plan adequately take account of the provisions of the Programme for Government, of the proposals in the Culliton/Industrial Review Policy Review Group Report and of the recommendations of the Moriarty Task Force on the implementation of those proposals.

My Department's role will be one of contributing to the development of a coherent national system of vocational education and training to the highest international standards. This objective will be a significant factor in the preparation of the White Paper on Education which I hope to publish later this year.