Post Leaving Cert courses have been one of the most important success stories of Irish education in recent years. During the 1997-98 session, over 17,000 students took part in 850 courses, the majority of which were provided in vocational schools and colleges. The courses are based on a strong foundation of general education and are focused on technical knowledge, personal development and work experience.

Courses are provided in a very wide range of topics, including studies as diverse as business administration, applied social studies, engineering, classical animation, radio and music production, equestrian studies and arts. The creativity of schools and teachers in devising and developing courses has resulted in significantly improved access for young people for vocationally-relevant courses of a very high standard.

A recent survey carried out by the TUI indicates, however, that access to and full participation in PLC courses is being seriously jeopardised by the lack of maintenance grants for students attending these courses. In all the colleges surveyed, about 60 per cent of students indicated they were engaged in part-time work to support their studies. Over 30 per cent of students described their circumstances as "hard" and about 45 per cent considered that their studies were affected by the demands of part-time work.

More disturbingly, almost 50 per cent of students said that they had at some time been concerned that they might be forced to drop out of college for financial reasons.

The TUI has been campaigning for many years for the extension of third-level grants to PLC students. In the run up to the 1997 election, commitments were obtained from all the main political parties in the State that this would be done. The Minister for Education and Science has on many occasions expressed his own personal support for and commitment to these courses.

In the TUI survey, 59 per cent of the students stated that they had been influenced in their choice of course by the Government commitment to provide grants for studentson PLC courses. It is estimated that the total cost of providing these grants would be in the region of £13 million. This sum must be compared with the proposed sum of £24 million to be spent on the necessary refurbishment of Leinster House.

The TUI is concerned that young people should leave the education system with respect for the institutions of the State. This becomes very difficult if their natural sense of justice is offended by perceived inequities towards themselves.

The PLC courses represent a most important extension of access and opportunity in educaiton. THe Government must deliver on this election promise in the 1997 Budget or face the wrath of 17,000 young people, their parents and their teachers.

Education & Living

Editor: Ella Shanahan

Production: Hugh Lambert and Harry Browne

Main cover illustration: Kevin McSherry

Small cover illustrations: Cathy Dineen

Email: education@irish-times.ie