Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
309. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills what will happen to BTEC HND, higher level 6, NQF, courses and the two honours degree programmes, level 8 NQF, which account for over 60% of all programmes delivered in Ballyfermot College, Dublin, should specialised teaching staff be lost to the college as a result of the proposed change to the pupil teacher ratio. [23646/13]
View answer310. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether Ballyfermot College, Dublin, which has a world renowned reputation for developing highly specialised and innovative courses at the right level and duration for specified industries, can survive if continually restrained from developing and delivering the types of courses that it has derived so much success from. [23647/13]
View answer312. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will respond to fears that highly successful specialised courses that have been developed and run by Ballyfermot College, Dublin, will be jeopardised as a result of the college losing 10-12% of its teaching staff because of the proposed increase to the pupil teacher ratio. [23649/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 309, 310 and 312 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) is an approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centre which is managed and funded by City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee (CDVEC) from funding provided by my Department. Post Leaving Certificate Centres provide further education courses up to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). However, my Department has facilitated the provision by BCFE of two courses accredited by third level institutions at Level 8 on the NFQ for a number of years and continues to do so as an exceptional measure.
There is a need to ensure that further education resources are focused on the delivery of further education while at the same time maximising the progression opportunities for learners in further education to higher education.
In relation to the reduction in the PLC pupil teacher ratio VECs were invited to forward impact statements to my Department on the effect of this regression on their PLC provision. A review of all impact statements received including one from CDVEC was conducted having regard to the need to operate within overall budgetary constraints and the Employment Control Framework. Following this review some alleviation of the reduction in teaching posts is being allowed as a transitional measure. As a result of this CDVEC has been allowed retain ten whole time equivalent teaching posts, that it was due to lose under the new pupil teacher ratio allocation, for the 2013/2014 academic year. Further distribution of these posts to schools and colleges under its remit is a matter for CDVEC.
