I am pressing ahead with a reduction in the number of VECs.
The Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) recently responded to the opportunity I provided to them to submit alternative rationalisation proposals, following the Association's expression of concerns regarding the configuration that had been decided upon by the previous Government.
I am considering the IVEA's submission and I plan to bring the matter to Government this month. Work on the preparation of the necessary legislation has advanced to the point I expect to bring the heads of bill to Government shortly. I hope to publish that legislation as soon as it is ready.