A survey by the National Council for Curriculum Assessment has shown that 45 per cent of Leaving Certificate Applied students go into direct employment, almost one-third undertook post-Leaving Certificate courses, while 14 per cent undertook FAS courses.

Commenting on the survey results, Senator Feargal Quinn, chairman of the NCCA steering committee for the Leaving Certificate Applied, said: "I am enormously encouraged by the results of this preliminary survey which confirms my belief that the Leaving Certificate Applied would become a sought-after qualification in the jobs marketplace."

At the launch of the survey were: Ms Clodagh McCaffrey, formerly of Presentation Secondary School, Limerick, and currently private secretary to a solicitor; Mr David Carroll, formerly of Colaiste Dhulaigh, Dublin, and currently undertaking a PLC course in leisure studies, and Senator Feargal Quinn.