Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I will be brief as many questions have been asked.

It became clear in recent years that rationalisation in the number of VECs would take place. However, people got a shock when it was proposed to reduce the number eventually from 33 to 16, which is even greater then the number recommended by Professor McCarthy.

Rather than make a speech about VECs, I will ask a number of questions after noting that I served on City of Waterford Vocational Education Committee for many years. All Members recognise the excellent work done by VECs in parishes nationwide.

On the proposed amalgamation of VECs in three counties, there will be war regarding the location of the headquarters of the amalgamated body. Where will the headquarters be located following the amalgamation of the VECs in Waterford city and county and Tipperary South Riding? Who will decide the matter? As Senator Wilson mentioned, the same issue will arise in respect of chief executive officers. Which of the three chief executive officers will be chief executive officer of the revamped VEC?

On the composition of the boards, how many will serve on them? Will there be an equal number of representatives from Tipperary South Riding, Waterford city and county? Similarly, what will be the position on the composition of sub-committees of the board?

These are the questions being asked, to which Members must have the answers to make matters clear for the staff and members of the board, as well as for the most important group, namely, the pupils who attend schools, of which the VEC is patron.

Senator Wilson also mentioned grants. Will a single national grant agency replace individual VECs and deal with all VEC grants or even all third level college grants? Will this power be taken from local authorities and given to a single agency? While uniformity nationwide must be considered, has any homework been done on this issue?

It is all very well to make a statement or bring a Bill before the House, but answers to these questions are needed immediately by all of the stakeholders and the sooner we receive them, the better chance we will have. The proposed gestation period of 18 months is far too long. One should avoid putting one's foot further into the mire by having a scenario similar to the HSE in which people did not know where they were working or what were their responsibilities. The Minister of State should have some answers to the pertinent questions raised by many members.