Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Page 147 of the action plan of the national forum on primary education states that the plan recommends the creation of regional education structures and devolved responsibility for the areas of primary, pre-school, second level and third level education. The Minister referred to looking for administrative duties but also real decision-making powers in terms of the analysis of regional needs, the development of strategies for the integration of services at a local level and the allocation of funding and resources. Does she not agree it is time we took a radical approach to education? VECs are located in virtually every city and county authority and local authorities are engaged in planning. The Department of Education and Science is supposed to plan school places in advance of any new housing developments or change in the population. In some cases it is not very effective in this role. Would it not make sense to have a regional education structure on a county-by-county basis with links to or amalgamated with the existing VEC structure, and links to county councils and the Department of Education and Science? Would that not serve the needs of education at all levels more effectively than having ten regional bodies? Would it not be preferable to have a regional body working along existing lines where the facilities already exist, between the VEC meeting structures and those of local authorities? There would not be a significant increase in costs but decision making would be sharper and more focused and people would be able to target money exactly where it is needed.

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