John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the financial difficulties facing post-leaving certificate students as reported in the recent ESRI evaluation and SOLAS recommendations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1888/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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Last week, I published the ESRI evaluation of the PLC programme along with the SOLAS response, which sets out 45 recommendations to address the findings of the evaluation and improve the quality of the learner experience, learner outcomes and overall programme efficiency.

A SOLAS led PLC Programme Improvement Advisory Committee, comprised of PLC partners will now be established by SOLAS to oversee development and implementation of a three year programme improvement plan, based on the recommendations set out in the SOLAS response, which include the development of a framework for appropriate learner supports as well as a review of the distribution of PLC places, taking into account a number of factors including the deprivation index.

Quarterly implementation progress reports will be published by SOLAS, following their review by the SOLAS Board, my Department and the National Skills Council.

It should also be noted that eligible PLC learners are entitled to student grant funding under the same terms, conditions and rates as third level students, details of which are available on the SUSI website at www.susi.ie and are also exempt from making the PLC participant contribution.

Eligible PLC learners in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) will also qualify for a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), details of which are available from DEASP who administer the scheme.