Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is music to my ears that he is taking this on board in a practical way. It is a problem that requires a practical solution. One does not have to manufacture co-operation if there is a system of integration. The structural disadvantage Northern Ireland students are facing is unfair. If we believe in a shared island, we must address this key issue. We do not want to be talking about a shared island but for people coming through the education system to face these hurdles just go to university on the island. I am always struck by the difference and disconnect between North and South. We can talk all we want about that, what we are going to do and our ambitions for the future but if we cannot address the education system in this way, it is all talk.