Vol. 492 No. 7
100 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself that sufficient recognition is being given by third level colleges and employers to the link modules under the leaving certificate vocational programme and to the leaving certificate applied programme; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take to enhance the recognition of these certificates. [14978/98]
Students who participate in the leaving certificate vocational programme must take at least five subjects from the established leaving certificate in accordance with certain requirements. In addition, they study link modules in preparation for work, work experience and enterprise education. I am pleased to note that students may use the grades obtained in these modules in lieu of a sixth subject for entrance to institutes of technology other than the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). Both Dublin Institute of Technology and the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities are examining proposals at present for similar recognition.
It has been widely accepted and acknowledged that those who have followed the leaving certificate applied will not get direct access to third level education. However, I am pleased to state that access is possible to almost all post leaving certificate courses and thereby to various forms of third level education in accordance with the developing national system of qualifications being put in place at present.
