Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012
216 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provision he intends to make for learner/service user representation on the boards of the new education and training boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23832/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2011 the General Scheme of an Education and Training Boards Bill was referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. The General Scheme was also published at that time. Following discussions with my Department and relevant stakeholders, the committee prepared a report which I responded to at a meeting of the committee on 25 January 2012. The composition of the new education and training boards is one of the issues which was raised by stakeholders with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education and identified in Chapter 3 of the Joint Committee's report.
The General Scheme has now been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for formal drafting. The issue of the composition of the new bodies is being considered as part of the drafting process.
