Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

141. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of establishing an Irish language post-leaving certificate college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12188/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Post Leaving Certificate programme is delivered in schools and colleges operated mainly by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with a small number in Voluntary Secondary and Community and Comprehensive schools. PLC provision has developed over the years in response to demand and the requirements for particular courses in different parts of the country.

Approximately half of PLC provision is delivered in schools along with second level provision while the remainder is delivered in stand alone PLC schools/colleges. Stand alone PLC colleges have developed where the increased demand for PLC provision has made it necessary to separate it from the second level provision in order that both sectors can be managed effectively, or where second level enrolments have ceased. It is open to ETBs and schools to offer PLC courses through the Irish Language if a requirement for such provision is identified in an area.

It is not possible to quantify the cost of establishing an Irish Language PLC College but it would be similar to that of establishing any new school and would include accommodation costs, fit out costs, teacher pay costs, support staff costs and capitation costs.