Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 577: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the way he proposes to expect to meet the demand for further education and PLC places, in view of the cap imposed by him, and the likelihood that teachers will adhere to letters of agreement, vis-a-vis class size agreements entered into between teachers organisations and his Department some years ago, which effectively agree to a ratio of not more than 24:1 for practical classes and 30:1 for theory classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The number of approved PLC places is set at its current level of 30,188 in recognition of the need to plan and control numbers and to carefully manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision.

In terms of meeting the demand for further education, my Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is working as a matter of urgency to identify innovative and creative ways to maximise provision and enhance effectiveness. My Department is also working closely with all the stakeholders and providers in the further and adult education sector in order to address the retraining and upskilling needs of the workforce.

As part of our efforts in this regard my Department and representatives of the Irish Vocational Education Association and Institutes of Technology Ireland participate in the Upskilling Co-Ordination Group chaired by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department is also liaising with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to improving the co-ordination of our efforts and facilitating better co-operation and collaboration at local and regional level among the relevant education and training providers.

The increase in unemployment brings with it many challenges, including that of retraining and upskilling. In order to address these challenges in this difficult financial situation we must continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect across the education sector. I am confident that by working closely with other Departments and agencies we can maximise the impact of our collective endeavours in meeting the challenges presented by the current economic situation.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 578: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason he refused to enter into an agreement between the further education sector and his Department in July 2008, on the basis of the establishment of the formal recognition of the further education sector, and effectively recognising that FE students are not second level students, and consequently need specific recognition within education policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10126/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In December 2006, my Department began negotiations with management and unions in relation to Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) provision in the further education sector, as envisaged under the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016". "Towards 2016" also acknowledged that the level of resources for the PLC sector would be determined in the light of resources generally and the implications for other areas of education.

A draft agreement, concluded with management and the TUI, provides a basis for the future development of the PLC sector. Implementation will have to be considered in the context of current and future budgetary provisions for my Department and will have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.