Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 4

Written Answers. - Amalgamation of Vocational Education Committees.

John Browne

Question:

197 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Education the reason she intends to amalgamate the town of Wexford Vocational Education Committee and County Wexford Vocational Committee; when she intends to sign the order for such an amalgamation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19291/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The reports of the technical working group and the steering group of the Commission on School Accommodation Needs on the rationalisation of the vocational education committees recommended the amalgamation of five urban district vocational education areas with county vocational education areas. This recommendation included the amalgamation of the Town of Wexford Vocational Education Committee with County Wexford Vocational Education Committee.

I accept in principle the recommendations for rationalisation contained in the report of the steering group. I intend to make the amalgamation order in relation to the five town vocational education committee, including Town of Wexford Vocational Education Committee, early in 1997 to take effect from 1 January 1998. At the same time, I will put in place a process of facilitation to ensure that the amalgamation proceeds smoothly, while retaining local committees representing the five towns, including Wexford, until the next local elections.