Vol. 497 No. 6
69 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post leaving certificate places available in the school year 1999-2000; the way in which this will compare with the 1998-9 year; his views on whether the number of places will be sufficient to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25792/98]
Some 22,727 places have been approved on the programme in 1998-9 an increase of 1,464 places from 1997-8. In 1996-7 there were 18,712 places in the sector. As the PLC sector plays a key role in meeting skill needs, particularly in the teleservices and technician areas, I anticipate modest growth in the region of 1,000 places in 1999-2000 and future years based on statistical projections.
The Government's commitment to the sector is clearly evident with such expansion being accompanied by investment of £20 million for PLCs and apprenticeships under the Education Technology Investment Fund, the introduction of maintenance grants for students with effect from September 1998, substantial investment in equipment for centres providing the international teleservices programme and a new student support scheme towards the cost of placing teleservices students abroad.
