asked the Minister for Education the present position of the boards of management of County Wexford vocational schools which were created by order dated 22nd March, 1974; whether these boards are now acting autonomously; and the nature of the agreement under which the vocational education committee agreed to dispense with the necessity for the confirmation by them of the acts of the boards of management.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Schools Boards of Management.
9.
Mr. R. Burke
Boards of management were set up in all of the vocational schools—eight—in the administrative area of County Wexford Vocational Education Committee. Each board consists of four members of the vocational education committee and two representatives elected by the parents of children attending each school.
I assume that the agreement mentioned by the Deputy is the 15-point agreement between the County Wexford Vocational Education Committee and the Teachers' Union of Ireland which was signed on behalf of both parties on the 5th April, 1974. The first point of the agreement referred to the establishment of boards of management for the vocational schools in the committee's area and the performance of the committee's functions of administration of each school through the board of management.
As regards autonomy, my order of the 22nd March, 1974, made under section 21 of the Vocational Education Act, 1930, authorised the appointment of boards of management in the County Wexford Vocational Education Committee area and provided in paragraph 5 thereof as follows:
that the Committee having agreed to dispense with the necessity for the confirmation by them of the acts of these Boards of Management, sanction is hereby accorded under Section 21 of the Act to dispensing with the necessity for such confirmation.
A vocational education committee cannot devolve on any other body their overall responsibility in matters of finance and in the organisation of the scheme, so that the extent of the autonomy of boards of management relates to day-to-day management and their authority in matters of finance and general organisation is subject to such conditions as the committee may decide.
Is the Minister aware that there is a great deal of confusion, misunderstanding and frustration among the members of the boards of management and among members of the vocational education committee in County Wexford about the powers of the boards under this order made by the Minister? Is this order still in force? Clause 5 of the order says: "the Committee having agreed". Is the Minister satisfied that the vocational education committee then in existence in County Wexford did agree? A number of members said they cannot remember ever agreeing. What powers, if any, have these boards of management?
This is a very long question, Deputy.
Have they complete autonomy, partial autonomy or no power?
Mr. R. Burke
The first point raised in the Deputy's supplementary question related to confusion. I agree there has been some confusion in this case but I hope it has been cleared by my reply. His second question asked if the vocational education committee then in existence agreed to this. Yes, they did agree in Room 114 of Leinster House. He then asked if the agreement was still in force. Yes it is. The fourth part of the supplementary related to powers. The powers delegated to the boards of management are broadly those set out in point 1 of the agreement of 5th April, 1974. They relate to the general management of the school, ensuring that the school is suitably maintained and equipped and ensuring that classes are held on time and in accordance with the approved time table. In order to enable the boards to exercise their powers under points 1 and 2, the vocational education committee shall allocate a sum of money annually to each school. It will be a matter for the vocational education committee to lay down appropriate guidelines in relation to the expenditure of this money by the boards of management. Any expenditure proposed by a board over and above the sum allocated to them by the vocational education committee shall be referred to the committee for approval. All expenditure of the boards must be properly vouched for. It is always open to a vocational education committee to refer back to a board of management for clarification or amplification or with a request for reconsideration, any proposal made to them by the board.
Does this mean that in effect, the boards of management in County Wexford have full autonomy over the management of the schools, other than in regard to expenditure? I take it that money is allowed at the beginning of the year for the use of these boards.
Mr. R. Burke
Full powers, no, because as I have already explained, they must be referred back. With regard to decisions taken in accordance with the powers conferred on them it is accepted in principle that the vocational education committee will accept such decisions of such boards.