| Statement from Dr Padraig Kirk, CEO Co Louth VEC |
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Like Co. Louth Vocational Education Committee, I too am disappointed at the recent announcement by the Minister for Education & Skills that Co. Louth VEC is to be party to the proposed restructuring of the VEC sector
When amalgamations were first suggested in the An Bord Snip Nua report published in July 2009, the Committee convened a special meeting at which the matter was discussed. At that time the Committee formed the view that Co. Louth VEC had the capacity to remain as a stand alone VEC and that there was little to be gained from any amalgamation with a neighbouring VEC. Both the Committee and I continue to hold this view today. Co. Louth VEC has a long, strong and proud record of quality service delivery in education in Co. Louth. Although Co. Louth is the smallest county, it has one of the larger Vocational Education systems in the country. It currently caters for some 4,000 full-time and 8,000 part-time learners of all ages, and these figures continue to grow at a significant rate. It is also one of the largest employers in Co. Louth.
Co. Louth VEC already has experience of amalgamation. In 1998 Co. Louth VEC was merged with Town of Drogheda VEC. In this context, it is my view that Co. Louth VEC has already played more than its fair share in the restructuring of the sector.
Notwithstanding the disappointment that came with the announcement, I am pleased that Co. Louth VEC has a track record of quality relations with our neighbour, Co. Meath VEC. In recent times both VEC’s have cooperated on a number of initiatives, for example, course design and delivery, ICT initiatives and staff continuous professional development. I have no doubt that Co. Meath VEC aspire to the same high standards as Co. Louth VEC and this is in no small part due to the foresight and commitment of its CEO, Mr. Peter Kierans, and his management team. If and when the proposed merger proceeds I would be happy to work with Peter and his team to ensure that a strong, effective and responsive vocational education system is put in place to serve the educational needs of the population of counties Louth and Meath going forward.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Ms. Pauline White Co. Louth VEC, Chapel St., Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Tel.: 042 9334047 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thursday, 21 October 2010
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