Fine Gael Cllr Enda McGloin asked CEO of Leitrim VEC John Blunnie for an update on the progress of the renovation of classrooms in Marian College, Mohill for St Joseph’s Special Needs Class.

He was told that the heating pump had been found to be faulty following the renovation works, on further investigation into the problem, it was found that pipes had also been damaged during the recent cold weather. Mr Blunnie said he hoped the situation “will be rectified in the next few days.”

PE equipment for Mohill Community College

CEO of Leitrim VEC John Blunnie informed the members that a grant of over p14,000 has been awarded to Mohill Community College for the development of physical education, including equipment for basketball and volleyball.

Request for more VTOS places

VEC members decided to write to the Department of Education to seek an increase in the number of VTOS places currently being run in Leitrim. It was agreed that the figure of 48 was insufficient for the needs of the county.

VTOS is a programme designed to help the long-term unemployed return to full time education without losing their social welfare benefits.

Funding for Adult Literacy

The range of services provided for further education in the county was examined by the Department of Education recently. Following their enquiries they granted the funding of p39,000 for Adult Literacy and Special Education in Leitrim for 2010.

Extra hours awarded for PPS teachers

The Department of Education have awarded an extra 15 hours teaching to Post Primary Schools in Leitrim. The positive increase was welcomed by the members.

Urgent request for new Adult Education Officer

VEC members took pen to paper to urgently request permission for a new Leitrim Adult Education Officer. Following the retirement of Donal Scully from the position, the Department of Education have placed an embargo on employing any new people.