Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

As I said earlier, we have to examine the overall context in the first instance. A cap has been imposed on the number of places in the post-leaving certificate sector as a result of the current financial position and in line with the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio. I accept that the Deputy has made a constructive proposal. Officials in the Department of Education and Science have met the principal of the college concerned. These issues are being considered. It is ultimately a matter for the local VEC. I accept that the Department will decide how many places are allocated to each VEC. Each VEC will allocate those places to the various colleges in its area. Three colleges are administered by Dún Laoghaire VEC. It is up to each college to make a case, through the VEC, for the number of places it considers it needs. The Department will allocate places on that basis. Applications have been received from the colleges and the VECs. The process of receiving applications will be finalised in March. We will notify the VECs of the position at that stage. The question put forward by the Deputy can examined in the context of allocating places to the Dún Laoghaire VEC, and that VEC subsequently allocating places within its jurisdiction.

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