Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his support in principle for this measure. There is a timeframe of about 18 months to implement this decision. Discussions have taken place with various stakeholders including the Irish Vocational Education Association and the association of CEOs. An implementation group has been established in the Department to oversee this initiative and it is led by an assistant secretary in the Department of Education and Skills. I have clearly set out the rationale for the decision. I am pleased that the House in general supports this initiative. Legislation is promised in due course but in the meantime the work continues in order to implement the decision.

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