Written answers

Wednesday, 1 April 2009

Department of Education and Science

Post-Leaving Certificate Courses

9:00 pm

Photo of Seán ArdaghSeán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views in relation to access to post-leaving certificate courses, in particular for students of disadvantaged backgrounds and in response to a letter from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13599/09]

Photo of Seán HaugheySeán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme provides an integrated general education, vocational training and work experience programme for young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. Its purpose is to enhance their prospects of gaining employment or progressing to further or higher education.

In relation to the issue raised in the letter referred to by the Deputy, the overall number of approved PLC places is set at its current level of 30,188 because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. Due to the difficult budgetary position, it was not possible to increase the number of places this year. Any possible future increase would have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.

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