Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2004
137 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to lift the cap on the number of places under the post-leaving certificate courses; the number of places available in the 2003-04 academic year; the number that will be available in 2004-05; if his attention has been drawn to the value of PLCs, particularly as a bridge to third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19477/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a range of course options available in the further and higher education sectors for young people who wish to continue their studies after second level or, in the case of adults, who wish to return to education. Post-leaving certificate, PLC, courses represent one such option. In dealing with the question of PLC numbers, the Department is not in a position to approve all the PLC places applied for in any particular academic year.
A total of 40,733 places, for example, were sought nationwide for 2003-04 from a planned pool of approximately 28,500 places. Similarly, for the 2004-05 academic year, schools and colleges sought approval for some 39,994 places from a planned pool of 28,500 places. It should be recognised that uncapped growth of the scale featured in the applications for PLC places may not be supported. There is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers, manage expenditure and provide for future investment and growth, within the context of overall educational policy and provision. Decisions on the approved numbers for 2004-05 will be conveyed to VECs and schools by my Department in the next few days.
