There has been a sharp increase in numbers applying for places on Post Leaving Certificate courses.
The Teacher's Union of Ireland estimates that more than 60,000 applicants have applied for just under 32,000 places nationwide. This includes 1,500 new places approved this year.
But the colleges and teachers have said this is nowhere near enough
In one Dublin college 2,500 applicants have applied for 800 places.
The TUI has called for restrictions on the creation of additional places to be lifted.
It says the cost could be offset by savings in dole payments and it makes better economic sense to have young people in training than on the dole.
