PLC fee 'thin end of the wedge'

The introduction of a €200 registration fee for PLC courses has been described as "thin end of the wedge" by union leaders who fear it will allow the Govt to increase the charge in the coming years.

"Many students who access PLC programmes come from lower socio-economic backgrounds," said Michael Moriarty of the Irish Vocational Education Association.

“We should avoid disincentivising or preventing people accessing routes back to employment.

"This fee is ill-conceived and as is it will likely increase in future years it will certainly disincentivise many who seek to improve their education and training qualifications”.