Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

The amalgamated VEC which will be based there will cover a single county. Perhaps some influence was brought to bear along the line in that case. I hope I can use my influence to convince the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, of the need for an office in Ennis to deal with the provision of education services in County Clare which have been eroded for far too long.

This can be done in a cost-efficient way. We own the building and now is not the time to sell it. County Clare VEC has a strong and good reputation in dealing with education and this service is badly needed in the area. All I want is a sub-office to deal with some of the day-to-day queries while the main office in Limerick deals with other issues. I appeal to the Minister to take a fresh look at the matter, in particular in regard to the economic aspect, to ensure we can keep a sub-office in County Clare.

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