Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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243. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he last met the chief executive officer and chairperson of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board; when he will next meet the chief executive officer and chairperson of the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37840/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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There are a number of means by which engagement takes place between the Minister and Department with Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

For example, the Secretary General of my Department holds a formal forum which is attended by the Chief Executives of the 16 ETBs as well as SOLAS and ETBI approximately twice a year.

Chairpersons of ETBs are also required to report formally to me as Minister on a range of matters.

As well as these, and other regular formal reporting requirements in relation to governance and funding matters, officials from a number of sections within the Department engage with ETBs on a daily basis.

In relation to City of Dublin ETB in May 2017 my office received correspondence from the Chairperson and responded to the queries raised at that time.

Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) is the body which collectively represents ETBs. Several sections of my Department are involved with ETBI and engagement can take place either directly with the relevant ETBI personnel or through liaison with ETBI’s various networks, for example the Chief Executives Forum or the Directors Forums.

The annual conference of ETBI is attended by ETB Chairpersons and other board members, among others. This year, I have again been asked to speak at the ETBI conference, which takes place on 26th and 27th September, and I look forward to using that occasion as an opportunity to meet ETB officials and Board members, including those in attendance from City of Dublin ETB.