Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 6

Written Answers - Vocational Education Committees.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

50 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, his Department has to reverse the decision of his predecessor on the advice of the commission to amalgamate the five town vocational education committees; if he has decided to proceed to amalgamate the Drogheda Vocational Education Committee and the County Louth Vocational Education Committee; the programme set down by his Department following the meeting in Athlone on 7 August 1997, between the officials of his Department, IMPACT trade union and the IVEA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/97]

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

58 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that the Town of Wexford Vocational Education Committee is retained; if he intends making the order in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16705/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 58 together.

Proposals for the amalgamation of vocational education committees were made by the Commission on School Accommodation Needs in October 1996. Orders were made by the previous Minister to amalgamate the five scheduled urban district vocational education committees of Bray, Drogheda, Sligo, Tralee and Wexford with their respective counties.

I recently met with representatives of the five town vocational education committees including Drogheda and Wexford and discussed arrangements to ensure that the interests of the former town vocational education committee areas will continue to be fully taken into account, following the coming into effect of the amalgamation orders.

Officials of my Department, the Irish Vocational Education Association and IMPACT met on 7 August 1997 and agreed that a review of the staffing structure of the amalgamating vocational education committees should be undertaken. It is intended that this review will assist in ensuring that the amalgamated vocational education committees will continue to provide their services in an efficient manner which will meet the needs of the vocational education committee areas. Following the meeting, my Department sought tenders from consultants in accordance with the agreed terms of reference and it is now in the process of appointing a consultant to carry out the review.