I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 293 together. The pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) for Post Leaving Cert (PLC) - at 17:1 - is more favourable than the PTR in second level schools - 19:1. The Government decided to raise the PLC PTR to the same level as that which applies in all free second-level schools. While it would be preferable not to have to make any changes, it is hard to justify providing a more generous PTR in PLC - which is mainly geared to school leavers and adults returning to education - than second-level schools - which cater for teenagers. This decision is being made at a time when the Government has succeeded in protecting class sizes in primary and free second-level schools for the coming year, ensuring that our limited resources are rightly focused on the children in our education system. The change will take effect in September 2013 and will reduce the overall number of PLC teaching posts by 200. It may lead to some reduction in subject choices for students but the sector has expanded rapidly over the past few decades, developing many innovative programmes for its students. In the meantime VECs will have an opportunity to plan for the reduced allocation across the schools/colleges under their remit and to work with their Principals and staff to ensure they can continue to deliver programmes which closely meet the needs of both students and employers.
