Vol. 567 No. 1
230 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the recommendations made in the PLC report commissioned by his Department in response to a commitment given in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness partnership agreement; his timescale for action on these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13374/03]
In 1985 the post-leaving certificate programme was introduced to provide appropriate education and training for young people to bridge the gap between school and work. PLCs also provide an alternative route to higher education in the institutes of technology. The programme is delivered in 225 centres and the number of participants has grown from 12,000 in 1989-90 to over 28,000 in 2002-03.
My Department commissioned a PLC review. Its aim was to examine and make recommendations regarding the organisational, support, development, technical and administrative structures and resources required in schools and colleges with large scale PLC provision, having regard to good practice in related areas across the system and in other countries.
The report of the review was published in April and the recommendations are wide ranging. They encompass proposals that extend beyond PLC provision, including issues which impact on the shaping of structures for the delivery of further and adult education into the future, and on other sectors of the education system.
The recommendations are being considered in my Department with a view to addressing the priority issues within the context of overall educational policy and provision.
