Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

The question was about whether we will have more PLC places next year. It is good that we have managed to effectively increase the number by approximately 8,000 between the 1,500 additional places and the 6,500 places which have come from the sector. The problem is that when unemployment was at 150,000 three years ago, there were 30,000 places. Unemployment is now more than 440,000 and there are only 38,000 places.

Besides the colleges doing their bit, what additional support can the Minister of State offer through his Department to the colleges to get more people on to PLC courses, which are excellent courses, flexible, good value for money and really meet the need of many people who are currently unemployed?

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