Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the TUI and the National Adult Literacy Agency, NALA, for coming before the committee today. It was important not to rush Committee Stage. We have completed Second Stage but it was wise for the committee to have the opportunity to meet some of the groups before starting to deal with the amendments. In fairness to the Minister he has stated in the House that he is willing to ensure the amendments are published in time to allow the committee members to digest them and take them on board and in order that they can come back to him with any queries. He has indicated that he will bring forward several amendments. One amendment was referred to in the conclusion of the presentation which could have real and serious consequences if and when it comes before the committee. This was despite it being omitted when the Bill was published.

There is an issue with the membership of the ETBs. When the general scheme of the Bill was published I read through the submissions on ETBs. I noticed that many of them focused on the particular make up of the ETBs. It was somewhat disappointing that he Minister did not take on board some of the observations. The published Bill is more or less the same as the general scheme and this is posing some problems, especially with regard to the four community representatives. This will affect the type of representation and experience that will be needed for ETBs. Adult learners are in one category and there is almost a hope that adult learners will get one of those four posts but there is no guarantee. The make-up of the board will be the subject of much focus and many amendments on Committee Stage.

The TUI presentation focused on the role of teachers within ETBs, the repeal of all previous Acts and some of the attendant consequences. I realise the TUI submission outlined some possible impacts but perhaps the delegation could go into a little more detail on that section.

The Minister has indicated he will table one amendment on Committee Stage. Will the delegation offer a view on that? What would the likely impacts be on teachers if the amendment is taken and incorporated into the Bill? Perhaps the TUI representatives will focus on these two issues.

I realise NALA is seeking support for an amendment to specifically state that adult learners would have one of the four positions available. Many groups are looking at the four final positions and the make up of the boards. We have received representations from IBEC, which holds that the business community should have a position on the boards. Perhaps this is a question for both organisations here today. Is there any merit in extending the four positions or tabling an amendment on Committee Stage to categorise how each of the four positions should be divided up, whether among adult learners, union representation or IBEC and so on? What are the views of the delegation?