Vol. 490 No. 7
77 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, there are to amalgamate certain vocational education committees; if so, the committees in question; and when it is anticipated that the proposal will go ahead. [10957/98]
: 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. These amalgamations took effect on 1 January 1998.
The strengthening of vocational education is an important part of my agenda and I am committed to full consultations with all contributors to this sector on any further initiatives in this area. I intend to introduce VEC legislation this year which will address a range of issues including provision for the strengthening and reoganisation of vocational education committees.
