I am aware of the concerns expressed by the group referred to by the Deputy. The leaving certificate applied programme is one of the options of the senior cycle structure. The programme has been introduced on a phased basis since 1995 and there are over 300 schools or centres offering the programme.
An intensive support service to assist with the introduction of this innovative and distinct programme into the second level education system was put in place in 1995. This service, dedicated solely to the LCA programme, was continued for a significant number of years, up to the end of the last school year. It would not be appropriate to have an intensive service like this, dedicated solely to the LCA, continue forever into the future. The LCA programme is, at this stage, well established in the education system.
Inservice training and support for the LCA programme is now, since the beginning of the present school year, provided by the broader second level support service. This service provides inservice and support for a number of second level programmes as well as the LCA. For well established programmes, this arrangement enables best use to be made of the expertise that has been developed and built up over a number of years and can be shared and utilised in a number of different but related areas.
The concerns expressed have been considered by the steering committee for the programme and officials of my Department recently met the director of the second level support service to further review the situation in the context of the new arrangements for inservice for the programme. The matter is being kept under review on an ongoing basis.