Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for the clarification. I welcome the rationalisation of the vocational education committees. I have taken a consistent approach in this regard. I am a strong defender of and a believer in the value of the VEC system and what it has done for education since 1932. Better synergies can be had from stronger entities.

I hope I will not have to disagree with the Minister when he decides on the various headquarters and that we can keep this unanimity. Is it the Minister's intention in advance of the publication of the legislation to name the different headquarters? How will the various chief executive officers be chosen? What mechanism will be used to decide who heads up the 16 entities?

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