Post-Leaving Certificate Courses

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Questions (113)

Gerry Adams

Question:

113. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on comments by the chief executive officer of County Louth Vocational Education Committee (details supplied) who said the VEC will be forced to cut a number of its post-leaving certificate courses in the new academic year as a result of the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio and that it will result in the loss of seven full-time teaching posts across the county's two education institutes. [25393/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Dr. Padraig Kirk, CEO of County Louth VEC, submitted an impact statement to my Department on the effect of the regression in the pupil teacher ratio on PLC provision in his VEC. A review of all impact statements received was conducted having regard to the need to operate within overall budgetary constraints and the Employment Control Framework. As a result of this review some alleviation of the reduction in teaching posts is being allowed as a transitional measure. In this regard Co Louth VEC has been allowed retain one whole time equivalent teaching post, that it was due to lose under the new pupil teacher ratio allocation, for the 2013/2014 academic year and Dr. Kirk has been informed of this decision.

Question Nos. 114 and 115 answered with Question No. 99.