Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Following the Government decision in July 2011 to establish SOLAS, an implementation group was put in place to oversee the process. This group includes representatives from FÁS, the further education sector, as well as from the Departments of Education and Skills and Social Protection.

Given the complex elements involved, including appropriate legislation to establish SOLAS and legislation providing for the establishment of education and training boards to replace the vocational education committees, VECs, it is not possible to give a precise timeframe for the transfer of staff. This will have to be considered carefully by the implementation group in the context of all the elements involved, including the need to ensure continuity of provision of further education and training places.

The composition of the board of SOLAS, the question of staff representation and other related matters will be considered as part of the ongoing implementation process. As part of this work, a consultation process is being undertaken with all relevant stakeholders, which amount to more than 150. It is envisaged there will be appropriate consultations with staff representatives on staff transfers.

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