Fears over job losses as VEC amalgamates

Job losses feared in VEC changes


Rowan Gallagher

JOBS  in Castlebar could be put at risk if Mayo Vocational Education Committee (VEC) is amalgamated with Sligo VEC in a move that has been described as ‘driving a nail with a sledge hammer’.
The new multi-county VEC will break the link between the local authority and the county-based VEC for the first time in decades.
Board members were notified via text message by CEO Dr Katie Sweeney of the shock proposal last week, which has left many local public figures in the dark about proceedings.
The Department of Education states that it is hoped the amalgamation will save over €3m, although it is still unclear where savings will come from.
“It is an a slap in the face for local democracy. We don’t even know what is going to happen, we were notified via text message. Without a doubt there would be job losses in Castlebar if it goes ahead. They are cutting at the wrong end when there are almost 1,000 quangos in existence,” said  Castlebar Town Councillor and committee member of Mayo VEC, Harry Barrett.
Though the restructuring has been announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ms. Mary Coughlan, it is unclear in what capacity the Mayo and Sligo VEC will be amalgamated.
“VECs have traditionally demonstrated a flexibility and responsiveness to changing and emerging needs.  I see these changes as strengthening the sector for the undoubted challenges that lie ahead and positioning our VECs as key providers of education services locally,” said Minister Coughlan.
According to a several Councillors who are on the committee of the Mayo VEC there has been little communication from the government or senior management about how the VECs will be affected.
Patsy O’Brien, a Mayo County Councillor and committee member slammed the decision by the Minister
“It actually goes beyond the McCarthy report that said the VECs should be cut to 22 not 16. These VECs were put there in bad times to train people and they are vital. Cuts should be made elsewhere like the HSE and the NRA. It’s like they are trying to drive a nail with a sledge hammer,” Cllr O’Brien concluded.
When contacted by The Mayo News CEO of Mayo VEC, Dr Katie Sweeney refused to comment on the matter, except to say it has been in the pipeline for a number of years.