Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Education Centre Network.

John McGuinness

Question:

285 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the total funding allocated by his Department to establish Kilkenny Education Centre; his views on the CMOD report suggesting the closure of this centre; if there is a timeframe for such action; if he will now consider Kilkenny city as a proper location for one of the super centres recommended in the report should any changes in the structures and locations be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3559/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

The funding allocated by my Department for the building of Kilkenny Education Centre amounts to €1,804,958. This includes site purchase, design team fees and building and furniture costs. As a result of the expanding nature and complexity of the role of the education centres, my Department agreed with the Association of Teacher Education Centres Ireland, the representative body for the education centre network, to commission a review of the education centres to clarify their role, functions and developmental potential as a strategic part of the education system nationally, regionally and locally. The Department of Finance's Centre for Management Organisation and Development was commissioned to undertake the review, which has been a detailed process including wide-ranging research and consultation with key stakeholders.

The CMOD presented the report, which contains a wide range of recommendations regarding all aspects of the network, to me recently. One of the CMOD's terms of reference related to the issue of the geographical remit of centres and it has recommended the rationalisation of the education centre network, involving the closure of three full-time centres – in Kildare, Kilkenny and Sligo – and the closure of all part-time centres, excluding Gaeltacht part-time centres. All the recommendations contained in the report are being considered in my Department as part of a comprehensive review of delivery structures for in-career development. Full consultation will take place with the ATECI before any final decisions are made on the CMOD recommendations.