Vol. 403 No. 4
88 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the steps she proposes to take in relation to the crisis in the library service in the vocational education committee colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I have recently sanctioned an additional 11 posts in the library area of VEC colleges as an indication of my commitment to improve this vital service to students.
I have also secured the agreement of the relevant management and staff interests to introduce direct employment by the VECs of college library staff.
I am at present considering reports from the Association of Vocational Education Colleges and from the Local Government and Public Services Union. I am giving the matter careful thought reflecting the importance of the services involved. I propose to engage in further consultations with a view to getting agreement on an appropriate structure for the group of colleges concerned.
