Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

As usual, the Minister is very welcome. The debates we have when he is in the House are always very interesting. I congratulate him on the work on this Bill. The unanimous agreement on it is a testament to the amount of work he has done to ensure it is a fair and an appropriate Bill. As somebody who worked as a teacher in the VEC sector for 16 years, I warmly welcome this Bill and the changes, which are revolutionary. It is almost 70 years since the Vocational Education Act was passed, so this will be a remarkable change.

I refer to the economic situation and the high rates of unemployment, in particular the 82,000 youth unemployed. Traditionally, school leavers took up FÁS courses. Now with the economic downturn, many people are turning to education to improve their chances in the workforce. This Bill will further enhance the opportunity for students to be at the centre of learning, which is absolutely vital.

They have said some of the courses, particularly the Youthreach courses, may have suited the teacher more than the student. It is a case of keeping the pupil interested because we all know students learn a lot more when they are interested in what they are learning. This is vital.

Questions have been raised about the quality and relevance of courses. With so many different providers and programmes, it has been difficult to ensure the learner receives the best possible teaching and training. I am delighted SOLAS will have a role in auditing and ensuring the quality of the programmes delivered. It must ensure that teachers benefit from continuous professional development. This is essential if there is to be educational progress.

I welcome the fact there will be communication between the business sectors, as has been pointed out and as we have seen in Dundalk, particularly in respect of the jobs offered at PayPal. Given the recruitment difficulty associated with language and IT structures, it is important that there be communication. Education will now be modernised. Some 70 years ago, when the system was introduced, we did not have computers. Even 20 years ago, we did not have half the things we need now to provide for proper education.

The Minister referred to the role of the CEO in disciplining staff. Previously, this fell under the remit of the Minister. Is the Minister now saying the CEO will be able to decide who is hired and fired where there is a discipline problem?