Vol. 539 No. 3
198 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the degree to which he proposes to make statutory provision for the right of religious trustees in respect of community colleges and vocational education committees; if he is satisfied that the provisions he has put in place in the context of current legislation adequately address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19520/01]
The issue described by the Deputy arises out of situations where two schools, one of which is a voluntary secondary school established by a religious order, agree to merge and come under the auspices of their local VEC. In such situations, a memorandum of agreement is prepared, whereby both the VEC and religious order agree the terms for the future operation of the school. This normally involves representatives of the religious order concerned taking a position on the board of management of the school.
There has to date been no explicit provision made for such religious orders to have representatives on the full VEC. The members of each VEC – typically 14, with provision for increased membership where the vocational area concerned includes urban district councils – are currently appointed by the appropriate local authority. At least five and not more than eight such members must be drawn from the local authority. The remaining members are selected by the local authority on the basis of their interest and experience in education and on any recommendations made by local employers. It is therefore at the discretion of the relevant local authority, in constituting the VEC, to invite a representative of the religious order to become a member of the VEC. Such an appointment can be made under the terms of section 8 of the Vocational Education Act, 1930.
During the course of the recent Committee Stage debate on the Vocational Education (Amendment) Bill, 2000, in this House, I undertook to examine the issue of the representation of religious trustees of community colleges on vocational education committees.
I have now proposed a change to this position. The Vocational Education (Amendment) Bill, 2000, as passed by this House, proposes a revised structure for the formation of vocational education committees, maintaining a right of representation for local authorities, but also including representation for parents and staff of the VEC. In addition, the local authority will now, following consultation with the parents and staff representatives, also select a further four members to be represented on the VEC. These members will be selected from among representatives of the wider community served by the VEC. In making such appointments, the local authority must consider the position of trustees of community colleges maintained by that VEC.
I consider this to be an important enhancement of the existing VEC structures. Where local communities consider it desirable that there be a reorganisation of local education provision, legislation should, where possible, support them in that goal. In recognising the role of trustees of community colleges and the contribution they can make to VEC, this amendment will help to facilitate any existing or future plans for such reorganisations.
The Vocational Education (Amendment) Bill, 2000 is currently being considered in the other House. I expect the Bill will be enacted before the summer recess.
