Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I am informed that the original estimation of the savings that might be obtained is of the order of €3 million. I hope that when we get into the detail of the amalgamation the savings will be even greater. The configuration and structure of the VECs reflect an Ireland that no longer exists in terms of transport, access and communications and there is a wide discrepancy in the scale and operation of the different VECs. The one with which the Deputy is familiar, County Dublin VEC, is an enormous operation with a vast number of post-primary schools, not to mention an array of support services for further education, adult education and literacy. In contrast, other VECs have very small budgets and turnover of less than €15 million, as against €50 million. We hope to achieve savings and sensible rationalisation, having regard to modern communications and transportation contacts.

With regard to the timeframe, I expect to hear back from the IVEA within the next ten days or so. I will then bring a proposal to Government that will set out the proposal for proceeding with the rationalisation and for legislative reform in the context of the VECs, their entitlements and the possibilities. Eight Acts since 1930 cover the operation of the VECs. This legislation needs to be consolidated so that we can provide clarity for the sector. I look forward, with the co-operation of the House to debate here and with the Oireachtas committee on the issues. I hope we will have certainty by the end of the year and that the legislation may be enacted by then. I know from previous experience that the worst thing that can happen to any organisation is for a pronouncement of change to be made and for that to be followed by uncertainty with regard to the timeframe and the delivery. That puts everybody on the defensive and the uncertainty compounds the difficulties. Drawing from previous experience, I am determined to avoid that outcome.

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