Question:
184 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to up-grade the status of Ballyfermot senior college to a full third level institution. [9249/00]
Written Answers. - Educational Institutes Status.
Ballyfermot senior college plays a vital role in providing vocational education and training programmes at further education level and caters for over 1,500 PLC students annually, offering a range of programmes in the field of art, craft and design, business, computing, engineering, electronics, teleservices, multimedia, music, childcare and community care, and tourism. There are no plans at present to upgrade the college to third level status.
My priority is to maintain a range of levels and the diversity of provision within an expanding further education sector as part of the strategy to promote lifelong learning. Within this context, PLC courses play a particularly important role, providing ongoing education and training for some 18% of school leavers as well as catering increasingly for older adults who are returning to learning. While some 25% of those who complete PLC courses progress to third level education, the majority enter the labour market on finishing their programme, and the sector is recognised as playing an important role in meeting the skill needs of the economy.