Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2005
231 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the demand for PLC courses in 2004; the extent to which demand exceeded the cap on places on the courses; the additional funding required to meet such demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13804/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraVECs and schools sought approval for approximately 39,000 post-leaving certificate places in the 2004-05 academic year. My Department approved 28,588 places. The extent to which places sought exceeded the number approved is 10,412. Based on a pupil-teacher ratio of 16:1, it is estimated that an additional 651 extra teachers would be required at an annual cost of €35.791 million.
In addition, it is estimated that annual non-pay grants to VECs in respect of 10,412 PLC students would amount to €2.790 million. Full maintenance and part maintenance grants under the relevant student support scheme would also be payable to some students, depending on circumstances. Not including the cost of student support which might arise, it is estimated that the additional funding required to meet such level of demand would be €38.581 million.
