THE Government's proposed 10 new regional education boards were "entirely unnecessary", the PD spokeswoman on education said.
"The cost of running the whole system will increase as a result of this new initiative. There will be no administrative savings in the Department of Education. The whole central edifice will remain intact," Ms Helen Keogh said.
Speaking during the resumed debate on a Fianna Fail private members' motion opposing the setting up of the boards, as proposed in the Government's White Paper, Ms Keogh said the new bodies would not supersede, or complement, the existing vocational education committees.
Mr Eric Byrne (DL, Dublin South Central) said the proposed boards would facilitate an effective partnership among all those with an interest in education, whether at national, regional or community level.
Debate on the motion continues tonight.