James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if PLC courses are considered third-level courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17754/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are a core part of the further education and training sector that, along with higher education, is under the remit of the new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. References to third level courses generally include PLC but the context of any specific reference needs to be considered.

PLC courses are full time programmes for learners who have completed their second level education, and for adults returning to education. PLC courses aim to provide participants with specific vocational skills and adopt an integrated approach, focusing on technical knowledge, core skills and work experience. Typically, courses last one to two years and are generally at levels 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).