Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My contribution will be based on my experience as a second level teacher who was closely involved with local post-leaving certificate colleges such as Coláiste Dhúlaigh, the further education colleges in Killester, Marino and Dún Laoghaire and Coláiste Íde. I acknowledge the work of my colleagues in these colleges who saw the gaps and did the work to draw up the courses provided, in which there is great variety. Some amazing opportunities are offered. I also acknowledge the hard work done by the college authorities in securing accreditation for these courses, which was not easy because they had to go through some rigorous steps. I refer, in particular, to the tremendous amount of work done to draw up progression routes with the British colleges which were the only ones to buy into this process in certain years. In more recent times these colleges have worked with the institutes of technology. In my own area Dublin City University has been very receptive to progression from post-leaving certificate colleges.

I always encouraged my students to consider post-leaving certificate courses as their plan A or plan B. Having attened many open day events with them, I know about the work done on such occasions. I always reminded my students to ask where people went after they did post-leaving certificate courses. The statistics in that regard were very positive. Many went directly into employment. They did not need to attend further education courses because they had secured particular qualifications. I support the ladder route introduced by the post-leaving certificate colleges whcih has been absolutely amazing.

Second-chance education is even more important today. We are familiar with the statistics. While I do not want to see anybody losing his or her job or any course being withdrawn, I am probably the only Deputy on these benches who does not think post-leaving certificate colleges should have a more favourable pupil-teacher ratio than secondary schools. Having said that, I accept that these colleges need more help in the guidance area. We are aware of the usual situations and difficulties encountered by pupils. These colleges also have to deal with a range of issues relating to those who have returned to education. I refer to lone parents, social welfare and housing issues, for example.

Friends of mine have told me that each post-leaving certificate college usually supports between 100 and 140 students each year as they take the UCAS route. They help with references and personal statements as part of that process. Guidance counsellors also have to do extra work to assist students who are making CAO applications. There is a need for guidance in the post-leaving certificate sector. If we are serious about tackling educational disadvantage, we have to invest resources at primary level and even before that stage. If we do not get it right, it will be more difficult to do so at a later stage.

I will conclude by mentioning a statistic. In certain areas of Dublin Central only 18% of people advanced beyond primary education. That is a scandal. We have to look at that issue again.

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