Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like all members I have had representations from constituents. I know of one person who had to emigrate because the option was not available to him. We need a knowledge economy so we should be creating pathways for individuals to return to education or back to work. Many people fall between the two stools. The system is not designed for people; they are expected to fit into the system. There needs to be a change in this regard.

I will recap what the committee has decided. We are seeking to have the Minister, her departmental private secretary and the petitioner come to a meeting. We will contact the INOU and USI to inquire which organisation has more experience of representing individuals in similar circumstances. We will also invite the organisations to give evidence. I suggest we ask the petitioner how he wishes to approach any engagement with the Minister. The committee is empowered to influence policy and not just to examine individual cases and problems. Are the recommendations agreed? Agreed.