Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
240 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he shall cap PLC numbers at the level that pertained in 2002; if his attention was drawn to the concern it is causing to schools that offer the courses. [17330/04]
View answerIn the current academic year the enrolments on post-leaving certificate courses in certain schools and colleges have exceeded the number of places approved by my Department. Teacher allocations for 2004-2005 and capitation grants were allocated on the basis of the approved number of places or the numbers enrolled. My Department approved nearly 28,700 places for the 2003-2004 academic year.
Officials from my Department met management representatives in the sector and the Teachers' Union of Ireland to hear their concerns. They have also received submissions from a number of VECs on their needs.
My Department is considering appeals from the VECs, schools and colleges for the recognition of the excess numbers enrolled for the purposes of teacher allocations and grants. A decision will be taken shortly in the light of the totality of demands for teaching resources across the system.
