Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the demand for PLC courses in 2006; the extent to which demand exceeded the cap on places on the courses; the additional funding required to meet such demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43020/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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We have increased the number of PLC places by 60% since 1996/97. Indeed, the number of PLC places approved for 2005/2006 was up by more than 1,600 on the 2004/05 level. The number of approved places in the sector now stands at 30,188.

Applications are received from providers each year for PLC courses and based on these applications an allocation for a particular number of places is sanctioned. These allocations are made to the VECs where colleges are under their remit or directly to Secondary and Community Schools. Some courses are not proceeded with due to insufficient interest from students therefore the number of applications does not necessarily reflect the demand for courses. It should be noted that 725 of the allocated places were not used in 2005.

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 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.