Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister and his officials for the time, effort and research that went into the legislation. No one could argue but that there are ambitious reforming measures in the Bill. The Minister referred to landmark dates and this will be another landmark item of legislation in respect of education in the State. The scale of what the Minister is trying to achieve cannot be overestimated. We will look to work closely with the Minister, Fianna Fáil and the Technical Group on Committee Stage to ensure the Minister's objectives in this area can be achieved through the legislation.

The Minister referred to this comprehensive Bill replacing nine items of primary legislation concerning VECs and, in doing so, providing the basis for the education and training board system. The Minister outlined how we got from 33 VECs to the proposed 16 education and training boards. Some of the submissions during the discussion on the heads of the Bill indicate differing opinions on the ideal number but there is little disagreement that the Bill is an attempt, and has the potential, to ensure the co-ordination and better delivery of education and training across the State. In doing so, we are ensuring we have the potential to put in place modern, streamlined infrastructure to underpin our competitiveness in a rapidly changing education and business environment.

For decades, the VECs carried out their role and deserve great credit. The amalgamation of so many VECs into 16 education and training boards presents opportunities and challenges that could be replicated across the wider education system. Like all aspects of education and training in the State, it is important to have a culture embedded in our education and training systems to enable us to meet the challenges and changes in society. No one can argue VECs did not have the culture of change over the decades. The role of the VEC evolved and expanded to meet varying demands. The establishment of 16 education and training boards can be seen as the next step in evolution of further training and education in the State. I am sure the Bill will be passed and it will then be clear the education and training boards will enjoy an enhanced role compared to the role of the VECs.

One enhanced role has already been discussed, namely, the absorption of FÁS staff to ensure the delivery of a broad range of training programmes on behalf of SOLAS when that replaces FÁS. The Minister outlined that the SOLAS legislation will follow this Bill.

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