Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 62:

In page 39, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following subsections:"(19) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act 2001 by section 4(1), a subcommittee established under subsection (1) or pursuant to a direction under subsection (3) of section 31 of that Act, which immediately before the establishment day performs any of the functions referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (11) shall continue in being on and after the establishment day as if--

(a) in the case of a subcommittee established under subsection (1) of section 31 of that Act, it were a committee established by the relevant education and training board under subsection (1), or
(b) in the case of a subcommittee established pursuant to a direction under subsection (3) of section 31 of that Act, it were a committee established by the relevant education and training board under subsection (7), and the provisions of this Act shall apply to the subcommittee accordingly.

(20) In this section "relevant education and training board” has the same meaning as it has in section 51.".

This amendment ensures existing VEC committees which serve as boards of management for schools and other educational institutions will continue to exist following the commencement of this legislation. This will ensure there is no interregnum in governance structures and will avoid the need for the new bodies to formally establish such committees immediately on their formation. It provides for continuity.