Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2004
179 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider the decision to freeze the number of enrolments allowed to individual schools and colleges on post-leaving certificate courses in view of the flexibility of the PLC sector in responding to the needs of industry and commerce and the demand for places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7951/04]
View answerThere is a range of course options available in the further and higher education sectors for young people who wish to continue their studies after second level, or in the case of adults, who wish to return to education. PLCs represent one such option. PLCs provide integrated general education, vocational training and work experience for young people and adults alike who wish to bridge the gap between school and work or return to education to obtain a qualification. The primary purpose of PLCs is to enhance the prospects of students to gain employment. PLCs also provide an alternative route to entry to higher education in the institutes of technology through the NCVA-FETAC links scheme.
The number of students participating on PLC courses has increased incrementally over time, as illustrated in the following table:
|
Year |
No. of Students |
|
1997-98 |
21,278 |
|
1998-99 |
23,810 |
|
1999-00 |
24,453 |
|
2000-01 |
25,519 |
|
2001-02 |
26,722 |
|
2002-03 |
28,656 |
The number of PLC places approved in 2003-04 is approximately 29,000. It is expected that this level of provision will be consistent with the demand for places in the sector.
