Vol. 497 No. 6
73 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that parents and teachers will have statutory places on the vocational education committees which will be formed following local elections in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25843/98]
I intend to introduce legislation to amend the Vocational Education Acts which will include provision for parental and teacher representation on vocational education committees. Before finalising legislative proposals, I am consulting with the relevant contributors in this sector. The enactment of the legislation will depend, amongst other things, on the overall legislative programme. I expect to be in a position to publish the heads of a Bill to amend the Vocational Education Acts in mid 1999.
As an interim measure, my Department will be in contact with local authorities with a view to ensuring appropriate representation of teachers and parents on vocational education committees after the next local elections. I intend also that the provisions in the amending legislation with regard to statutory representation of parents and teachers on vocational education committees will be implemented from a current date when enacted. The precise legal arrangements will be subject to the advice of the parliamentary draftsman and the Attorney General.
