Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the advice he has offered vocational education committees with regard to making savings in their budgets in view of reduced allocations; the number of VEC’s that have formally contacted or corresponded with him or his Department in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27133/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In Budget 2013, it was decided to reduce the non-pay grant to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) by some €13.2 million. This decision took account of the capacity of VECs to utilise cash balances on a once-off basis. VECs have been informed that they are required to provide the same level of service in 2013 as in 2012 and that, in this regard, they may incur expenditure up to the level of the 2012 final non-pay grant. Ten VECs have contacted my Department regarding this measure. Officials from my Department have also met representatives of the Chief Executive and Education Officers' Association (CEEOA) to consider the matter. The most recent communication to the VECs was issued following consultation between officials from my Department and a working group representing CEEOA.