Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if provision will be made similar to section 3 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003 to oblige educational training boards to engage with Oireachtas Members in a similar manner as local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4707/26]
View answerThe overarching legislative and governance arrangements for the ETB sector are as set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 and in the Code of Practice for the Governance of Education and Training Boards which was updated in 2024 by the Department and is based on the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies published by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
In accordance with this framework there are a number of requirements to make information publicly available. In that regard, ETBs are required to publish their Strategy Statements, Annual Service Plans, Annual Reports, and Annual Financial Statements.
In addition, audited ETB Financial Statements and ETB Annual reports are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by my Department.
In relation to engagement with Oireachtas Members, the protocol and standards for the provision of information to members of the Oireachtas as set out in Circular 25/2016 Protocol for the Provision of Information to Members of the Oireachtas by State Bodies under the aegis of Government Departments/Offices is applicable to all ETBs.
Chairpersons and Chief Executives of ETBs are also expected to make themselves available to Oireachtas Committees as required.
