The number of approved PLC places is set at its current level of 30,188 in recognition of the need to plan and control numbers and to carefully manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision.
In terms of meeting the demand for further education, my Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is working as a matter of urgency to identify innovative and creative ways to maximise provision and enhance effectiveness. My Department is also working closely with all the stakeholders and providers in the further and adult education sector in order to address the retraining and upskilling needs of the workforce.
As part of our efforts in this regard my Department and representatives of the Irish Vocational Education Association and Institutes of Technology Ireland participate in the Upskilling Co-Ordination Group chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department is also liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to improving the co-ordination of our efforts and facilitating better co-operation and collaboration at local and regional level among the relevant education and training providers.
The increase in unemployment brings with it many challenges, including that of retraining and upskilling. In order to address these challenges in this difficult financial situation we must continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect across the education sector. I am confident that by working closely with other Departments and agencies we can maximise the impact of our collective endeavours in meeting the challenges presented by the current economic situation.