The Minister for Education plans to introduce the first legislation for 67 years to govern the vocational education sector and underpin its future. Mr Martin has told The Irish Times that he sees "a very strong and vibrant future" for the VECs. He favours "decisive action" to bring in legislation which would broaden their membership to include parents and business representatives.
He said that after last year's report by the Commission on School Accommodation, "it looked like a 10-year programme of amalgamating VECs seemed to be in the offing".
At a recent meeting with the sector's management body, the Irish Vocational Education Association, he had made it clear that he had "no interest in wasting 10 years haggling about this VEC or that VEC, 10 years of campaigns to retain this VEC or that VEC".
"The fear of those involved in the VECs has been that there is an agenda to reduce, close or get rid of them. That agenda does not exist here.
"I don't want continuing uncertainty hanging over the VEC sector. I want to instil in them a sense of confidence. We believe in their role."
The Minister admitted that his plans still involved some rationalisation of VECs, although not to the extent envisaged by the Commission on School Accommodation.
The commission recommended last October that the present 38 VECs should be reduced to 21.
However, he stressed that in return he was offering a secure and strong future for the sector, in the areas of Post Leaving Cert courses, youth services and adult education, as well as in its traditional second-level area. This was particularly so because the Government was scrapping the previous government's proposals to set up regional education boards.
Mr Martin singled out for special mention the VECs' role in providing youth services, where "they already have a track record and expertise".
He said the number of VECs which would be retained was a matter for discussion with the IVEA. "I've made clear to them that I don't want this to drag on for two or three years. I'll be making quick decisions following consultations with the IVEA."
The general secretary of the IVEA, Mr Michael Moriarty, said at their meeting in July he had "been impressed by the Minister's positive attitude to the VECs after almost a decade of uncertainty".