Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will support and approve additional new courses for a college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12499/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Applications for PLC provision for 2007-2008 have been received from all 33 Vocational Education Committees. These applications are being reviewed at present.

In order to approve additional courses the providers have to prove that there will be a demand in the locality and, in addition to this, all aspects of each course will have to meet the Conditions of Approval as set out in the criteria of the programme. At present a total of 30,188 places have been allocated to the PLC programme nationally. My Department endeavours to assist providers in developing the variety of courses available to best suit the learners, the economy and the community. My Department monitors enrolment figures to see where these places can be utilised to achieve the greatest results. In making a decision on applications for existing and additional courses and the support of these, my Department will review all the relevant information before making a final decision.