Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
158 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if places at colleges of further education and VEC’s and on PLC courses will be held at 2002 levels for the coming academic year 2004-05; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21038/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
For example, a total of 40,733 places were sought nationwide for 2003-04 from a planned pool of approximately 28,500 places. Similarly, for the 2004-05 academic year, VECs and schools 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, to manage expenditure and provide for future investment and growth, within the context of overall educational policy and provision.
Letters conveying notice of approval of PLC places in respect of the 2004-05 academic year have been issued to VECs and schools this week.
