Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - Vocational Education Committees

Paul McGrath

Question:

264 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on proposals to reduce the number of vocational education committees in this country; the meetings, if any, he has had with the interested parties in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15550/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

: Proposals for the rationalisation of vocational education committees were made by the Commission on School Accommodation Needs in October 1996. Orders were made by the previous Minister to amalgamate the five scheduled urban district vocational education committees of Bray, Drogheda, Sligo, Tralee and Wexford with their respective counties and will come into effect on 1 January 1998.

Since my appointment as Minister, I have met with the Irish Vocational Education Association and representatives of the scheduled urban district vocational education committees at which the implications of the amalgamations were discussed.

I intend to consult widely before finalising my policy on vocational education committees.