Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 183: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a copy of the code of practice for the governance of education and training boards can be furnished to this Deputy. [13682/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Education and Training Boards will take over the work of vocational education committees and will have an expanded role in the delivery of further education and training across the country. In October 2011 the General Scheme of an Education and Training Boards Bill was referred to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education. The General Scheme was also published at that time. Following discussions with my Department and relevant stakeholders, the committee prepared a report which I responded to at a meeting of the committee on 25 January 2012. The General Scheme has now been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for formal drafting.

Given that education and training boards have not been established at this time, a code of practice for their governance has not been prepared. However, there is a code of governance in place in respect of vocational education committees since 2005, issued under Circular F11/05, a copy of which is attached to this answer. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Irish Vocational Education Association in relation to a revision of the code of governance for the sector, taking into account recent amendments required by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.