Question:
52 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps, if any, he will take to extend the availability of the leaving certificate applied programme. [15544/99]
Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Examination.
Over the lifetime of this Government, funding of this programme has expanded significantly; 1996-97, 124 centres with 3,600 approximate students; 1997-98, 174 centres with 5,500 approximate students; and 1998-99, 206 centres with 6,600 approximate students.
There will be a further expansion of the number of centres offering the leaving certificate applied in the next school year. The current indications are that about 50 further centres will introduce the programme for the first time in September 1999.
Briefing and an in-service training programme are being provided for the new centres.