Minister Noel Dempsey opens new offices for Westmeath Vocational Education Committee, launches Strategic Plan for Adult & Community Education 2004-2007 and puts updated VEC website on line.
Monday 1st March 2004 was a landmark day for Westmeath Vocational Education Committee.
The Minister for Education & Science, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., and the Chairman of the Committee, Cllr. Kieran Molly, formally opened the purpose bulit, ultra modern VEC offices located at the Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar.
Chief Executicve Officer, Mr. Gearóid Ó Bródaigh , remarked: "The new VEC accommodation comprises over 630 square metres of prime offices, decorated and fitted out to the highest modern standards represents an entirely new and modern departure for Westmeath VEC. All of this comes at an optimum time both for Westmeath VEC and the Mullingar area".
Spatial Strategy
The development of an enhanced role for the midlands area is an important part of the Government's Spatial strategy. This policy has lead to the designation of Mullingar as a Gateway Town along with Tullamore and Athlone. The development of office accommodation of the kind seen here is a crucial part of the Infrastructural improvement which will see the smooth development of that new status. As part of that development the government is already putting in place the road and other infrastructural development which will open up the midlands and Westmeath in particular.
The government is also committed to a policy of decentralisation of government departments, part of that plan is the transfer of the Department of Education & Science to Mullingar under the current de-centralisation proposals.
The strategic location of the new Office Park, standing as it does on the eastern approach to Mullingar and at what will be the start of the new ring road around Mullingar which will eventually link up with Tullamore, is also worthy of note.
The CEO also noted that: "Easy access and excellent parking facilities will make it all the easier for those who wish to visit in person to do their business here. The facility also allows for the best use of information technology and broadband technology".
Adult & Community Education Strategic Plan
Under Sustaining Progress the Government has set out its requirements for the rollout of the Strategic Management Initiative into the wider public service. As part of that strategy VECs are engaged in a process of modernisation under the auspices of the National Partnership Forum, the body funded by the DOES and located in IVEA headquarters to oversee the process of modernisation in the VEC sector. The VECNPF reports to the Education Sector Performance Veriification Group established to ensure that the requirements and commitments set out in Sustaining Progress are met.
Westmeath VEC is meeting its own requirements in this area by actively participating in a range of initiatives and policy developments agreed with the National Partnership Forum.
Westmeath VEC is already engaged in the implementation of a system of Performance Management for staff. Indeed it was one of four VECs to pilot such a scheme in 2003 before it was adapted for national implementation.
Part of that process is the development by VECs of Education Plans and Service Plans by which they will set out their strategies for their future activities in the various areas that fall within their remit.
In 2004 approx. 5000 people will avail of the services provided by Westmeath VEC in the areas of adult education, further education, community education and the literacy service. It is important that a service of this size has a strategy which sets out in clear and understandable terms the future aims and objectives of the service.
All of the key aims and objectives are set clearly within the context of the Government's White Paper on Adult Education Learning for Life.
Also note that the document is available in both Irish & English, complying with new legislative requirements set out in the Official Languages Act 2004. (if you would like to download a copy of the Plan just go to the "publications" section of this site where you can download a copy in pdf format)
Launch of Updated Website
Minister Dempsey also used his visit to launch this updated website. It represents our commitment to serving all our clients in a more efficient manner. We hope you enjoy it. Site powered by Webworks.ie
