Written Answers. - PLC Grants.
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:
61
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the current progress, if any, made in relation to the examination of the question of providing grants for post-leaving certificate students along the lines of the third level student support scheme; the terms of reference of the examination; the body which is carrying it out; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[21626/97]
The question of providing a means-tested maintenance grants support scheme for PLC students along the lines of the higher education grants scheme has been examined fully by my Department.
The programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, includes a commitment to the introduction of equitable support for students attending PLC courses. This commitment reflects the importance which the Government attaches to students in the PLC sector, and a maintenance grants scheme will be introduced. The administrative arrangements for this are complex and timings will depend on the completion of this planning.
My Department is providing over £39 million this year towards the running costs of PLC courses which are playing a key role in preparing young people for employment and further education/training. These courses are a significant element of the Government's response to meeting the skill needs of the Irish economy.
In the international teleservices area, I have approved the provision of 690 places in 20 selected centres under which a two year NCVA certified PLC course is being provided as part of the national response to emerging skill needs of the industry. This has been accompanied by an investment of £1.5 million in the selected centres to enable them to provide a quality programme consistent with industry needs. As this new initiative involves extensive placement abroad, a new student support scheme is being introduced towards the cost of the overseas placement.
In addition, the new education technology investment fund, will provide £250 million in the next three years for technology investment at all levels of education in partnership with industry. Twenty million pounds of this will be available for PLC courses and apprenticeships. This is the first time since the initiation of PLCs that substantial capital investment has been devoted to the sector.
Through action to properly resource different aspects of their work, I am confident that, over the lifetime of this Government, we will consistently demonstrate our commitment to recognising and promoting the role of the PLC sector.
