Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will implement the findings of the McIver report which her Department commissioned on the PLC sector. [16155/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The recommendations of the McIver report on the PLC sector are wide ranging and encompass proposals that have implications for the shaping of structures for the delivery of further and adult education into the future. Having regard to the number and scope of the recommendations in the report, consultations have been held with management and staff interests with regard to issues such as the prioritisation of recommendations and associated costs. Further discussions between officials in my Department and the relevant stakeholders will be necessary.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will consider increasing significantly the number of teaching staff for Drogheda Institute of Further Education (details supplied). [16156/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Teacher allocations and capitation grants are allocated on the basis of the approved number of places. However, enrolments on PLC courses in certain schools and colleges have exceeded the number of places approved by my Department.

A total of 676 post-leaving certificate places were approved in County Louth VEC for the 2004-05 academic year. My Department is currently considering applications from VECs, schools and colleges for approval of PLC places for the 2005-06 academic year. A decision in the matter, taken in light of the totality of demands for PLC places and teaching resources across the sector, will be notified to VECs and schools shortly.