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Education and Training Boards Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Questions (88, 89, 92)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

88. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed mechanism for appointment of chairpersons in the education and training boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53085/12]

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John Paul Phelan

Question:

89. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed numeric and geographic model for representation on education and training boards when established, with particular reference to ETBs where three VECs are amalgamating and the possibility of smaller counties having very limited representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53086/12]

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John Paul Phelan

Question:

92. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views in respect of the proposed education and training boards and the possibility of these boards acting as a resource providing managerial supports to all schools and education centres in their respective regions, not just schools and education centres already under the VECs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53089/12]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 89 and 92 together.

The Education and Training Boards Bill was published on 5 October 2012 and completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 17 October 2012. Following completion of Second Stage, the Bill has been referred to the Select Sub-committee on Education and Skills.

The Bill provides for 18 person boards consisting of 10 local authority members, 2 staff representatives, 2 parents' representatives and 4 community representatives. Where more than one local authority elects members to an education and training board, the numbers to be elected by each local authority will be specified by Ministerial order which will be made having regard to population. This is considered to be the most appropriate and fair way to devise the proportions in which each local authority will be represented on the new bodies. It is intended that staff representatives on the board will be elected by members of staff of the education and training board and that parent and community representatives will be nominated by the relevant bodies. The chairperson will be elected by the members of the board.

The establishment of education and training boards will position the sector to support the evolution of service delivery not just in schools under the direct governance of a board but in the wider education sector. The new boards will be well positioned to establish shared services and to provide support services to all schools, including primary schools and other second level schools in their areas. In particular, education and training boards can contribute significantly to driving an agenda of encouraging aggregated procurement of supplies and services.

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