Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 7

Written Answers. - Six Year Cycle.

Robert Molloy

Question:

45 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education if all second-level schools have implemented a six year cycle; the funding that has been made available to these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18774/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The Programme for Economic and Social Progress provided that a six year cycle of post-primary education would be made available for pupils commencing their post-primary cycle in 1991. Accordingly, a restructuring of the senior cycle programme began which gave a three year senior cycle option from September 1994 consisting of a one year transition year programme and a two year leaving certificate programme with three orientations, the (established) leaving certificate, the leaving certificate vocational programme and the leaving certificate applied.

It is for the authorities of individual schools to decide whether to avail of this transition year. Out of a total of 782 second level schools, there are, at present, 569 schools providing the transition year programme. My Department will shortly be issuing a circular letter inviting applications from schools wishing to offer the programme in the 1996-97 school-year.

Students on the transition year programme attract the standard teaching resources in accordance with the approved pupil-teacher ratio andper capita grants towards recurrent expenditure at standard rates.

An additional capitation grant of £50 per pupil in transition year is payable in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 school-years. The question of continuing the payment of this grant will be considered in the context of the resources available for 1996 as provided in the Estimates for the Public Service.