Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

That does not really tell us anything. As a result of the downturn in construction, apprenticeship opportunities have greatly diminished. This is one of the reasons for the increase in the numbers applying through the CAO system. As a result of the fact that people have lost their jobs, there is an increase in the number of adult or mature students applying to enter higher education colleges. This is quite understandable and it is very good that they improve their educational opportunities. With more applicants, the number of points required will increase for those sitting the leaving certificate in June.

People are now in the second half of the second year preparing for their leaving certificates. They had a reasonable expectation that a course might require 400 points but with more applicants it might require 450 points. As a result, many young people will be denied the course they want. People who have lost their jobs will also be denied an opportunity as some of those trying to enter a course will not do so and will have to remain on the dole. The solution, which it is possible to put in place by September, is to make arrangements with the higher education institutions, colleges of further education and the Higher Education Authority to provide additional places. This is about places and numbers. In this country we have empty buildings that will be going into NAMA.

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