Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether learners should have a seat on the Education and Training Board when they are set up to replace the 33 VECs; his further views on whether learners need to be represented on further education on the basis of equity, fairness and improving the quality of education and training services in view of the fact that learners are routinely represented on governing bodies in higher education and at school level through parents; if adult learners should also be fully represented at further education level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37899/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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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 this 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 was then referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for formal drafting. It is hoped that the Bill will be published in the very near future. I have received representations seeking to provide a place for adult learners on the Education and Training Boards. Consideration will be given to those representations.