Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too join with you, Chairman, and the committee in welcoming staff from the VEC. It is my first time as a recently appointed member of the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection to meet members of the City of Dublin VEC. I admire so many initiatives provided by the VEC, not least adult education and post-leaving certificate courses.

I too very much welcome the decision of the Minister for Education and Skills to centralise the process, which in theory is something to be acknowledged. However, concern and anxiety have been expressed about the fact that the system is not working. I would like clarification to be provided on some of the figures that were mentioned. If I am not mistaken the chief executive referred to 56,000 applications. I thought the figure was 66,000. My understanding is that 9,000 applications were refused. Is that a different 9,000 to those that were received since the closing date or does it refer to another 9,000 applications?

Much anxiety and uncertainty has been caused where applications have not been processed or documentation has been mislaid but there are consequences for students who, for example, cannot get accommodation or access to equipment, laboratories or libraries.

I very much welcome the announcement of the increase in staffing from 55 to 96, which will be of great assistance. What was the process that led to the outsourcing and how was the contract awarded? Was the decision based on the provider’s capacity to deliver, cost or other criteria?