Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure town councillors are included in the representation of proposed ten local authority members on the new education and training boards, which will replace vocational education committees. [39131/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Earlier this year, following the approval of the Government, I referred the General Scheme of an Education and Training Boards Bill to the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. This Bill is a substantial piece of legislation which will consolidate the existing nine Vocational Education Acts and will reflect the enhanced future role of the Sector. The Bill provides for the legal establishment of the Education and Training Boards, sets out the functions of the boards, taking account of the development of the sector over the years, and it facilitates further enhancement of the role of the sector into the future including its proposed role in relation to SOLAS. The Bill includes provides for the election of members of the Education and Training Boards.

The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of my Department's engagement with the Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education in giving interested parties and stakeholders an opportunity to consider the proposed Bill and to influence its final shape.