VEC chiefs divided on redeployment

THE chief executives of the 33 Vocational Education Committees (VECs) are understood to be deeply divided on a redeployment scheme planned by the Government when the number of bodies is more than halved.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn confirmed last week that the previous government’s plans to cut the number of VECs from 33 to 16 will proceed, although he made some changes to the mergers that will take place to facilitate the move.

The plans will help save an estimated €5 million a year in the sector, with the reduction in the number of chiefs executive contributing a significant proportion of the savings, along with disposal of VEC properties.