Ms Mary Doyle:

I thank the committee for this discussion. I have some points in conclusion. There is a clear policy to maintain and enhance educational opportunities for all, including those who are hard to reach. At the same time, major changes are being implemented in the education sector - some are structural and others are in the area of policy development - and the landscape is very dynamic. The challenge is to find a way of continuing to reduce the overheads while supporting a wide range of provision. The Department welcomes the dialogue which has happened today and will continue to happen, particularly between QQI and stakeholders.