Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 6

Written Answers. - Montbard Project.

Micheál Martin

Question:

102 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education whether her Department was actively involved with Westmeath vocational education committee in supporting and promoting the Montbard vocational training opportunities scheme project; if she will place in the Library of the Houses of the Oireachtas and make available to Members of Dáil Éireann the complete Department file on the Montbard project containing details of all meetings and correspondence between officials in his Department and personnel working with Westmeath vocational education committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21470/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

On 31 May 1994 in answer to a parliamentary question, I informed the House that my Department had indicated approval in principle to a proposal from the County Westmeath Vocational Education Committee for the provision in France of a module of a course under the vocational training opportunities scheme provided this could be done within the normal level of funding for the scheme.

However, as I informed the Deputy in reply to his recent parliamentary questions, my Department wrote to the acting chief executive officer of the vocational education committee on 11 February 1994, 16 May 1994 and 28 July 1994 indicating that no further action be taken on the project pending full consideration of the matter by my Department.

I am advised that it is highly unusual to lay a Departmental file in the Houses of the Oireachtas and I do not consider it appropriate to do so in this instance. I can, of course, outline for the Deputy the nature of correspondence and meetings between my Department and the vocational education committee in relation to the conduct of its affairs — including Montbard.