Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his presentation. My question is about the opportunities for people in disadvantaged areas to attend third-level education. Is the Minister satisfied that a sufficient percentage of people from such areas can attain third-level status?

The unemployment figures are unfortunately remaining stubbornly high here, as they are in Northern Ireland. Is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient opportunities for such people to return to education? If so, what can be done to facilitate them in this regard? There is a common denominator concerning social disadvantage and unemployment. Following our visits to the North, we are aware that there is a major concern, especially in Protestant areas, about people being unable to obtain third-level education.