Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2007
768 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to put in place an overarching national structure for adult and community education co-ordinating structures at local level to be led by the VECs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9487/07]
View answerThe Adult Education, Community Education and Further Education services are funded by my Department and delivered locally by the 33 VECs.
The Irish Vocational Education Association, which is the representative body of VECs, performs a coordinating role in the formulation and implementation of policy in relation to these services. The Association is in constant communication with me and officials of my Department.
The White Paper on Adult Education, "Learning for Life" proposed the establishment of a National Adult Learning Council, for which a coordinating role was envisaged.
The Council was formed in March 2002 on an ad hoc basis with the intention that it would be established as a statutory body in due course. However, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for it were too wide-ranging and were not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on the work of the Council.
A strategic review of the role and functions of the Council was undertaken to address these concerns. The outcome of the review has been under consideration in my Department. This consideration must take account of existing provision and structures.
