Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I wish to highlight the need for the Minister for Education and Science to outline the reasons for cutbacks in the post leaving certificate, PLC, sector and the extent to which there was prior consultation with the partners. I raise this issue because the service from the post leaving certificate sector, particularly for the disadvantaged, was tremendous. There is a need for people to upskill and the PLC sector has given most students a sense of purpose, confidence and self-esteem, as well as providing a second chance in education. Many students have moved on to gain further educational qualifications.

The cutbacks have deprived people of the opportunity to upskill and to get a second chance. Moreover, there was no consultation with the partners — the VECs, students, learners and providers. It is a draconian measure. In my county, Roscommon, there are now 50% less rural PLC places and five of the best and most committed teachers no longer have jobs. While it is accepted that there have been some problems in urban areas such as Dublin and Cork, a sledgehammer has been used to crack a nut and a very good PLC system is being attacked and undermined.

To quote W.B. Yeats: "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." This draconian measure has put out many fires and I hope the Minister will reverse it.