Press Releases28 Sep 10

Bishop of Cork calls for Review of VEC Legislation Implementation

Bishop of Cork calls for a review of
the implementation of VEC legislation

In the wake of reports of controversy surrounding the election by Cork County Council of the community representatives to Cork County Vocational Education Committee, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork - the Right Reverend Paul Colton - has called for a review by the Department of Education and Skills, and by the Oireachtas, of the implementation of the legislation setting up VECs.

Bishop Colton said:

The legislation constituting the VEC provides for the election of four representatives of the community. Politicians, parents and VEC staff are elected under other headings. Given that the largest number on the VEC are members of the County Council, it is, in my view, wholly inappropriate that the four community places allocated to be shared between students, teacher unions, commerce, Irish language interests and voluntary associations, are also coveted by political parties. If reports are correct about this week’s elections by Cork County Council to the new Cork County VEC then this is what has happened here at the expense of a minority religious interest: the Church of Ireland.

I fully understand that no church has an automatic entitlement to representation on a VEC. Since vested political interests are already adequately provided for in the make-up of the VEC, churches and community groups should have a reasonable and open opportunity of securing one of the four seats allocated to their category. They should not, in my view, find that party political interests have harnessed some of those community seats as well. I had concerns about this the last time similar elections were held. I have been proven correct on this occasion. I believe it would be appropriate for the sake, not just of churches, but also of all voluntary groups, that the legislation and its implementation be re-examined with a view to ensuring that voluntary and community interests are guaranteed membership of a VEC and that partnership in education is not marginalised for the sake of a political agenda.

I have, I believe a legitimate concern in such matters: thirty-seven per cent of the children of second-level school age in this Diocese attend schools under the aegis of Cork County VEC. In that context also, a vote to exclude the partnership on the VEC of a representative of a minority religious grouping, with a proven track record of involvement in education is, to say the least, not encouraging.

At a personal level for him, I am disappointed that the County Council has not seen fit to elect my nominee, Canon George Salter. He has a proven track record of attendance and diligent participation in the work of the County Cork VEC. The people of Cork City and County are indebted to him.

Ends