Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I acknowledge that a considerable amount of preparatory work has been done over the lead-in period. It is important that the transition is as seamless as possible, particularly in respect of amalgamating courses and getting rid of the duplication that existed in the past. This is very progressive legislation and we strongly support it because it has potential for bringing greater coherence to the sector and making it better for learners at the end of the day, provided the process is properly planned and the services come together in a well-managed way. The service provided by the sector could be improved in respect of vocational education and training.

When the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, was in the House for our previous discussions on the Bill, many of us expressed our appreciation for the way that the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, approached the Bill and for accepting amendments in the Dáil. He also took on board suggestions made by interest groups and people involved in VECs and other bodies.