352 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the way the teacher panel transfer operates in the vocational education committee regarding gael coláistí (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24430/10]

Each Vocational Education Committee (VEC) is an independent statutory body established under the Vocational Education Act 1930. My Department has no direct involvement in the deployment of teachers within individual VECs. Teacher allocations to all VECs are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment and, in accordance with these rules, each VEC is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation.

The deployment of teaching staff, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are a matter for the individual VECs.