Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills with regard to section 11 of the Education and Training Board Act 2013, the way the five representatives will be elected to the education and training board; if there will be an opportunity for local community groups to seek representation on the boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20414/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Section 30 (1) of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 provides for the composition of each Board, following the forthcoming local authority elections, as follows: 12 members elected by the relevant local authority or local authorities; 2 education and training board staff members elected by staff members; 2 members appointed by the Board from nominees of the National Parents' Council; 5 members appointed by the Board from bodies specified by the Minister which have a special interest in, or knowledge of, education.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the last category of members. In that regard, in accordance with Section 30(11) (a) of the Act, I am required to specify at least one body from each of the following categories: (i) bodies representative of business, industry and employers; (ii) bodies representative of learners; (iii) bodies representative of persons engaged in the management of, or leadership in, recognised schools. A Board will be required to appoint at least one member from each of these categories and, of the 5 persons, at least two must be women and least two must be men. All must reside within the functional area of the Board. The 16 other members of the Board will make the appointments in accordance with these requirements. I am currently considering which bodies to specify in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Bodies will be required to have the capacity to nominate to all ETBs.