asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to see that educational functions appropriate to her Department are not being undertaken by the Department of Labour agencies with the assistance of EEC funds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co-ordination of Educational Functions.
21.
The question of the co-ordination of the provisions for education and training is at present being examined by the Minister of State at the Departments of Labour and Education. The Minister of State will report to the Ministers for Education and Labour on completion of his examination.
It is understood from what the Minister has said, that some such reassessment was being done, but it appears to have taken quite a long time to get it done. Would the Minister indicate whether she intends to ensure that there is an educational content in all AnCO training programmes and that this is provided by the existing educational services?
I regret if the Deputy feels it has taken some time. In fact, the Minister of State has approached this question with considerable energy and has had meetings with a great many bodies in the educational and training area. The Minister of State is now preparing a final report. I do not think there has been any undue delay in this matter. In relation to an educational aspect of AnCO courses, I should like to state that that comes under the wider heading of co-ordination and co-operation between training and education which will be achieved as a result of the report of the Minister of State.
I should like to ask the Minister if she is aware that outside agencies submit training programmes which are accepted and funded by AnCO. Can VEC schools submit similar training programmes to AnCO and be funded by that body? If they cannot do so will the Minister explain why? It appears to me, arising out of the course that the Ballyfermot Vocational School is putting on, that AnCO will not fund a course put on by a vocational school. Will the Minister explain why that is the position?
This is one of the areas that has emerged as a problem in recent years. The vast increase in the number of young people looking for training courses of a more practical nature has led to a great growth in courses given by AnCO and funded by the YEA and the EEC. There has been a certain amount of overlapping and backing into the educational system. That sort of problem is one that requires to be addressed and I am sure it will be in the near future.
Deputy Wilson rose.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper. If I permitted the Deputy to ask a question Deputy Tunney might keep me in.
I am glad I have such influence on the Chair.
May God forgive the Chair.