Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In light of the fact no serving Senators are on the reform working group, it is vital that all of us make submissions. I am deeply saddened by the fact the experience in this Chamber has not been brought onto the committee.

Following a recent circular, the geographical area for membership of education and training boards and school boards of management has been restricted to 20 km. While this might work in urban areas, it certainly does not work in rural areas. If I might be so bold as to use the Leader's county as an example, Waterford city has a vibrant further education college and efforts are being made to develop further education in other areas such as Dungarvan. It would mean the expertise of the old Waterford City VEC would not be available to the Dungarvan school for its establishment and driving forward its further education offering. I ask the Leader for a debate on boards of management and the restriction with respect to geographical areas specifically.

Yesterday I was assured I would be given some time during the Fianna Fáil motion this afternoon to discuss health and safety issues arising in the installation of water meters.