asked the Minister for Education the criteria she is applying in her consideration of the future of vocational education committees; and if she intends to reduce the number of such committees to 20 or 22.
Written Answers. - Vocational Education Committees.
258.
The Government have decided that the structures of vocational education committees be rationalised. I am at present considering the various options for revised structures which I expect will reduce the number of committees from 38 at present to approximately 20.
A wide range of factors must be taken into account in making decisions on revised structures including, inter alia, the existing second-level and third-level educational facilities managed by the VECs, the pupil and student numbers and the range and scope of other activities and services in which VECs are involved and geographical consideration.