Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 2

Written Answers. - Outdoor Education Centres.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

32 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of recognised outdoor education centres here; if further recognition has been granted since the list was first established; and the procedures necessary for a centre to be recognised. [28104/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Beginning in the 1970s a number of vocational education committees established outdoor education centres. There are currently nine VEC outdoor education centres recognised by my Department for the purposes of funding. This funding is in the form of a grant towards the staffing and equipment costs in the centres. These grants have been paid since 1988. No centres additional to these nine have been sanctioned by my Department since 1989.

There are currently three VEC outdoor education centres in operation which are not in receipt of a staffing and equipment grant. Consideration is being given in my Department to the recognition for funding purposes of these centres. Officials of my Department are in negotiation with various representatives of the staff of the recognised outdoor education centres regarding their status, salary, terms and conditions of employment. The regularisation of the staffing position within the centres will represent a major improvement in the operation of the centres. This regularisation of staffing, may however, have significant cost implications for the centres and any new arrangements agreed will be relevant in determining my Department's future budgetary planning and funding strategy for VEC outdoor education centres. It is in this context that recognition for the three centres will be addressed.