Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
468. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there is any requirement for schools within an area to offer the Leaving Certificate Applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra494. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria for establishing an LCA class; if there is a minimum required number of LCA classes per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 494 together.
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme is one of a number of options made available by the Department of Education and Youth for Senior Cycle students which schools can choose from.
Under the Education Act 1998, the School Board of Management (BOM) appointed by the school’s patron, is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and the school principal manages the school on a day-to-day basis. Each School has the autonomy to design their own timetables and decide which subjects and programmes the school will offer.
It is the responsibility and choice of each individual school to decide to put in place the LCA programme, based on the educational needs and interests of their students. It is also for schools to decide on the admittance of a student to the programme, in their school. Schools are encouraged to provide maximum access to these options and to have clear procedures in place regarding how the available places are allocated to students.
Unfortunately a school may not always be able to accommodate every student’s subject or programme choice. This can be due to many reasons, such as classroom space, staffing limitations, time limitations and other considerations.
