Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Hannigan for giving me the opportunity to clarify the position on proposed developments in the PLC sector. The current negotiations on the development of the PLC sector are being looked at in the context of Towards 2016, Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015, which states as follows:

Having regard to developments in the PLC sector, including the McIver report, concrete prioritised proposals in relation to PLC provision and focused in particular on the larger PLC providers will be prepared and will be the subject of further negotiations between management and unions. The level of resources for the PLC sector will be determined in the light of resources generally and the implications for other areas of education. The union side will engage positively in relation to commitments on future working arrangements and developments in the sector. Student numbers will be subject to audit on an ongoing basis. The scope for rationalisation of provision will also be examined having due regard to ensuring appropriate provision on a geographic basis and the necessary critical mass for delivery of a quality education service.

Government commitment to the PLC sector, by reference to the resources applied in teachers' pay, non-pay running costs, student support and certification costs, is significant. We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996-1997. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188. We extended the provision of maintenance grants to PLC students with effect from September 1998. There were nearly 8,000 PLC grant holders in 2005 and they received €23 million in direct support. Tuition fees for PLC courses are also waived. PLC students are included in the calculation of non-pay budgets issued to schools in respect of running costs. A supplementary non-pay grant towards running costs specifically for PLC schools is also payable. This amounted to €5.5 million in 2005.

Other developments funded by my Department of direct benefit to the PLC sector include the provision of national certification by the Further Education and Training Awards Council, FETAC. Students in PLC acquire mainly level 5 national framework of qualifications awards and some attain level 6, which are accredited by FETAC. Formal progression links to higher education in the institutes of technology is available to students through the higher education links scheme. Senator Hannigan mentioned a particular case of this.

There are 195 PLC providers, mostly in the VEC sector. Providers range in size from 1,875 students to five students. There are 20 providers with more than 500 students and a further 26 providers with 160 to 500 students. The remaining 146 providers have less than 160 students. Some 50% of students are under 21 and most come directly from mainstream second level schools. The other 50% are adults returning for second chance education to obtain accreditation in specific skills areas.

Graduates from PLCs enter employment directly or continue their studies by progressing into the higher education sector.

Officials in my Department are engaged in consultation with the relevant partners to determine how best the PLC sector can be developed. The level of resources for the PLC sector will be determined in the light of resources generally and the implications for other areas of education. Developments since the publication of the Mclver report will have an impact on the negotiations, in particular those relating to the implementation of FETAC policies. The scope for rationalisation of provision will be also examined, having due regard to ensuring appropriate provision on a geographic basis and the necessary critical mass for delivery of a quality education service. I wish to invest in educational opportunity for learners in further education by providing the necessary system supports that will allow the sector as a whole to fulfil its important potential.