Fine Gael has called for the removal of the cap on the number of Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses following confirmation that a record 72,500 students have applied for college places this year.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) estimated that number of students had applied by yesterday’s deadline. This compares to 66,500 for this time last year.
It is expected the number of applications will impose further pressure on facilities and resources at higher-level colleges.
Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes said the news highlighted “the dire need” for the Government cap on PLC course places to be lifted.
Last September, figures provided to Mr Hayes showed there were nearly 37,000 applications for PLC courses for this academic year, but only 13,000 places on offer.
“With such huge pressure on colleges, all options must be made available. PLC courses offer a route for college applicants but a cap has already been put on the number of places by the Government,” Mr Hayes said.
“The Minister should immediately clarify the total number of PLC places that will become available in 2010. It has been suggested that no additional places will be provided this year. This needs to be clarified urgently.”
Mr Hayes said the Government had last year announced the creation of 51,000 additional training places but that these had primarily gone to Fás.
He said it would make sense to allow VECs provide more PLC courses.
“The structures are already in place, the tutors have been hired, in many cases it would just be a matter of just extending current services. This could be done quickly and effectively and would account for a small portion of the funds being directed to new training places.”
“The record number of CAO applications is bound to leave many potential students frustrated and without a college place. Lifting the cap on PLC places will undoubtedly ease this pressure and allow thousands to pursue a much-desired third level course.”