The recommendations in the McIver report are wide-ranging and encompass proposals that extend beyond post leaving certificate provision. During the past 12 months, officials in my Department have had meetings with the management and staff representative interests in the sector to examine their respective priorities and to consider issues surrounding a number of the recommendations of the report. Further meetings with all the relevant stakeholders in the sector will be necessary in the period ahead in connection with this report.
One of the recommendations in the report envisaged the formation of a council of further education colleges to engage with the National Adult Learning Council and the Department of Education and Science on policy and research, provide for a leadership mechanism within the sector, animate inter-college planning processes and co-ordinate joint initiatives among colleges. As an initial step, on Tuesday, 4 May 2004, my Department facilitated a meeting of the stakeholders in the sector with a view to having them prepare proposals about the composition and remit of the council. In June 2004, the Department asked the parties involved to reflect again on the issue of the composition of the council in the light of recent discussions. My Department is continuing to facilitate discussions between the sides on this matter.