Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Impact statements on the effect of the regression in the pupil-teacher ratio for the post leaving certificate, PLC, programme were received from 17 vocational education committees, VEC.

VECs reported in their impact statements that they would have difficulty reassigning surplus teachers and that their ability to provide new innovative courses would be limited. Some VECs who had been enrolling above their allocation reported that they would not be able to maintain this level of enrolment. A review of all impact statements received was conducted having regard to the need to operate within overall budgetary constraints and the employment control framework. Following the review, some alleviation, as I already outlined to Deputy Ó Snodaigh, of the reduction in teaching posts is being allowed as a transitional measure in those VECs losing six posts or more.

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