Vol. 484 No. 2
66 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has for the reform and reorganisation of vocational education committees; if he is proceeding with the amalgamation of town vocational education committees; if so, when this will occur; the saving, if any, which will result from vocational education committee amalgamations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21623/97]
Orders were made by the previous Minister to amalgamate the five scheduled urban vocational education committees of Bray, Drogheda, Sligo, Tralee and Wexford with their respective counties. These orders, which I am not statutorily entitled to revoke, come into effect on 1 January 1998. I am concerned that the people of these towns would continue to play an important role in directing the vocational education of their communities and that the new arrangements will lead to educational benefits. To this end, I and my officials have held a series of meetings with the vocational education committees concerned and I am happy that significant progress has been made.
The strengthening of the vocational education sector is an important part of my agenda and I am committed to full consultations with all contributors to this sector on any further initiatives.
