O’Keeffe: Plan to overhaul VEC to be ready in weeks

PLANS for an overhaul of Vocational Education Committees are to be put before the Cabinet within weeks, according to Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe.

Officials are preparing proposals that would see a reduction by up to one-third in the 33 city and county VECs that currently run second-level schools, further education, adult education and other training services. The Bord Snip Nua report last year included a recommendation to cut the number to 22, which Mr O’Keeffe has previously indicated he considers as reasonable.

However, while still in discussions with representatives from the sector, including the umbrella body, the Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA), the minister said any changes are more than just about changes in numbers.