VEC ‘should take over running of primary schools fom Church’

THE chairman of the Cork County VEC believes his organisation should take over the running of all primary schools within their target area.

Noel O’Connor said the VEC in Cork was one of the strongest in the country and would be in a position to take on extra responsibilities, such as taking over the running of primary schools from the Catholic Church.

Overall, there are 298 national schools in Co Cork. The figure does not include Cork city.

“Because of the changing role of the Catholic Church in primary education, I think it is only right that Cork County VEC should involve itself in this sector from here on. I believe that this VEC is in a strong position to act as trustees of primary schools in the county,” Mr O’Connor said.

He pointed out that many parish priests in the county, and indeed throughout the country, no longer wish to be chairmen of school boards of management.

“They no longer wish to be involved in selection boards for teaching positions in primary schools. Many parents, too, are not happy with the close connection between the Catholic Church and primary schools. It is a changing time for the Church and I believe that change will take place at a very rapid pace,” the VEC chairman said.

He said the VEC’s track record was excellent.

“There is significant openness and transparency in our system in that all issues are structured well in legislation and decisions taken are referred to the monthly meeting of our committees,” Mr O’Connor said.

He said the VEC has enjoyed a good working relationship with the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland in the county.

“Model Agreements have been entered into by the VEC and the bishops with regards to the trusteeship of designated Community Colleges in the county. These agreements have worked well and have served the students in these colleges well,” he said.

Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe has stated that VECs would have to achieve critical mass in the years ahead.

Mr O’Connor said Cork County VEC had already achieved this and was capable of doing much more.

It currently oversees 22 secondary schools, seven youth reach centres, many further education and return to education centres along with a Traveller training centre.