Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his initiative in announcing this morning an allocation of more than €30 million to assist with the replacement of prefabs with permanent structures in more than 200 schools. It will generate considerable employment in the building sector, including architects, electrical contractors and others.

The Bill provides for the procedures governing the appointment of teachers which will be decided by the Minister for Education and Skills with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Minister need not consult with or seek the agreement of other parties. Following the establishment of the procedures, the appointment of a principal, along with other teachers and staff members, remains the responsibility of a school's board of management. Schools' boards of management play a vital role and at times they can be faced with issues concerning staff, in particular discipline and similar matters that occur in all schools. Boards are often required to take difficult decisions.

Under the existing section 23 of the Education Act 1998, procedures for the appointment of the principal must be agreed between the Minister, the patron, recognised school management organisations and any recognised trade union or staff association representing teachers. The original proposal in the 2010 Bill regarding VEC involvement has been dropped and is not included in the Bill. I note the Minister has decided to await the report on school patronage. However, I urge him to consider this proposal in any future legislation he may introduce. As a former member of Sligo VEC, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the VEC model, which would have much to offer if extended into primary education. The Minister will shortly introduce legislation to amalgamate existing vocational educational committees, which will result in the educational and skills boards being located at various locations. The Minister, Deputy Quinn, and the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, should review the 2010 Bill and consider the extension of the VEC model to primary education when that Bill is brought to the House.

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