Alan M. Dukes
Question:150 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has for the replacement of Vocational Education Committees. [1029/95]
Written Answers. - Replacement of Vocational Education Committees.
I refer the Deputy to my reply of 13 October 1994. The White Paper will elaborate in detail on the powers, functions and responsibilities of proposed statutory intermediate structures. My intention, subject to final decisions at Government level, is that the structures will have substantial co-ordination and support service functions, broadly along the lines proposed in the position paper on RECs, but informed by the subsequent roundtable discussions.
In the position paper on RECs, it was recognised that specific arrangements would be necessary in relation to the ownership-trusteeship of Vocational Education Committee (VEC) schools. Following the discussions between the partners in education and generally perceived concern for the complexity of the transition process as it affected the vocational education committees, I have come to the view that Vocational Education Committees would continue to function as statutorily-based providers of education within the framework established nationally by the Minister for Education and regionally by the new intermediate structures. Vocational education committees would have the same relationship with the RECs as the other providers of education, within their remit.
Under this framework, the vocational education committees would continue to own their schools and employ the staff in their schools. The intention would be that all vocational education committee schools will have boards of management and the vocational education committees will appoint these boards, having regard to the criteria applying to all other schools.
I also envisage that the vocational education committees would continue with their role in the provision of vocational education and training and adult and continuing education in their schools. Other providers will also be free to have a role in the provision of these activities. The new structures would act as the co-ordinating bodies in regard to these areas through their role as the channel for the delivery of Exchequer funding.
The role I envisage for vocational education committees would also ensure a smooth transition into the new system. The White Paper will set out in detail the transitional arrangements to the new structures.