Vol. 492 No. 7
102 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation for the establishment of a further education authority in order to plan the development of the growing post leaving certificate sector. [14967/98]
The Government's commitment to the ongoing development of the further education sector is evident in the decision to provide meanstested maintenance grants for students attending PLC courses with effect from September 1998. The scheme will operate along the lines of the existing third level schemes and will be a critical development in enhancing access to lifelong learning; the significant role played by PLC courses in the Government's response to meeting the skill needs of the Irish economy, particularly the recent initiative in International Teleservices, which is accompanied by substantial capital investment and a new student support scheme for the cost of overseas placement. The programme is being expanded by 1,070 places and 14 new centres are being established in 1998-99; the increase of over 2,000 places on Youthreach and in Senior Traveller Training Centre places which is being provided in 1998, allied with a new measure to provide counselling, guidance and psychological services for participants on these programmes; the decision to have a Green Paper on Adult Education which will make recommendations on future developments in the context of expanding access to lifelong learning; the ongoing investment in the work of the National Council for Vocational Awards and TEASTAS in providing national certification and assessment for this important sector, streamlining and regulating standards in line with industry needs; and the establishment of an Education Access Support Service; a staff development initiative to support the effectiveness of the further education sector.
I am confident that, over the lifetime of this Government, we will consistently demonstrate our continuing commitment to this very important area of education. I will keep the structures through which this might best be done under review.
