Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 5

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

176 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 560 of 12 June 2001, he will list the institutes of technology which have an involvement with post-leaving certificate courses in the Wexford constituency; the extent of such involvement in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18476/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The higher education links scheme is organised on a national rather than constituency basis. At present there are 17 higher education institutions participating in the scheme. The names of the individual colleges concerned are listed in the guide to the higher education links scheme, 2001. I have arranged for a copy to be sent directly to the Deputy for his information.

Details are also available on the web at: www.ncva.ie and are circulated annually to school principals. As indicated in reply to Question 560 of 12 June, candidates under the scheme are required to submit their third level applications to the CAO in the normal way.

There are nine schools in County Wexford offering 71 PLC courses which provide progression opportunities for NCVA level 2 award holders to institutes of technology and a further five centres offer 26 designated PLC courses in County Waterford.

Data by county regarding the number of students who made applications under the links scheme for third level places to the Central Applications Office, Galway, are not available in my Department.