Vocational Education Committees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2011

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

Ceisteanna (148, 149, 150)

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

163 Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to continue the policy of merging vocational education committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7379/11]

Jerry Buttimer

Ceist:

167 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report surrounding the restructuring and intended mergers of the vocational educational committees throughout the country. [7435/11]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

171 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Kerry Education Service will remain a single entity following proposed amalgamations of vocational educational committees throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7457/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163, 167 and 171 together.

I have recently extended an invitation to the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA), given their concerns about the current proposals for VEC aggregation, to submit alternative proposals for my consideration. The IVEA has indicated that it will respond later this month and I will be considering their proposals in the coming period.

While I am open to proposals on alternative configurations, I am anxious to ensure that swift progress continues to be made in the work of bringing about a reduction in the number of VECs.