Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I believe the networking is nothing to be feared. It can be a good problem because fresh combinations brought together with an overarching legalisation or fee-paying structure or whatever could be a good thing. I have spent a good deal of time in community education structures and I know that sometimes they can feel isolated. If someone was around somewhere else doing the same thing and if a fee was involved, then I would not be afraid of that. What those combinations would be would depend on the format of what the organisations are trying to standardise.

"The Bridge on the River Kwai" is what I call the organisation, because I can never remember Quality and Qualifications Ireland. It is a fine structure and altogether needed. Any type of quality or standard will absolutely raise the tenor of people who want to get involved in the education of the young. I like the flexibility of the organisation and that it is prepared - as it should be - to open up dialogue, to be open and to guide and facilitate people who might not necessarily come with all the ammunition.

There was reference to the many waivers under the national framework of qualifications, including medical card holders, Youthreach and so on. These are all waivers, and that is important. I have worked in education all my life and I believe any form of quality or standard is a good thing. It is a good idea to create these for all in order that people feel equally involved at whatever level and wherever the education is taking place. Well done to "The Bridge on the River Kwai".