Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Kathryn Reilly in requesting the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the amalgamation of VECs and, in particular, the criteria used to decide on the location of the headquarters of the newly amalgamated VECs. It will be very interesting to hear the criteria the Minister used to decide on the locations. What savings, if any, will be made on foot of the amalgamations? From information I have gleaned, I believe it will cost rather than save money to amalgamate the VECs.

I will ask the Minister to reassure the staff in the VECs concerned that their jobs are secure and that nobody will be forced to move from their present location. Cavan and Monaghan VECs have been amalgamated and the headquarters is to be located in Monaghan town. While I welcome this on behalf of my constituents in Monaghan, I draw attention to the fact that Cavan town has a new purpose-built, fully fitted VEC office that is capable of accommodating twice as many staff as are currently located there. The office in Monaghan is much older and basing the headquarters there will necessitate the building of new premises. What savings will be made? I suggest to the Minister that a new location halfway between Cavan and Monaghan, at Cootehill, could be considered. I very much welcome the fact that Senator Reilly raised this issue yesterday. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister, Deputy Quinn, to the House as a matter of urgency.