Ms Marie Kelly:

That is a genuine question. We have done a great deal of work on analysing the drop-out rate and what is creating it. Given the norm, 34% is not huge by the standards and the clients we deal with, although that is how it might sound. The level is usually 34% to 37%. It must also be taken into account that the majority, some 17%, who drop out for medical reasons return.

To break down the remainder, some people found the courses too difficult to cope with and dropped down a level. They are also considered drop-outs even though they return. Obviously, people also have personal reasons for dropping out. For example, ten people dropped out last year due to maternity issues. I have an analysis that will give the committee a flavour. Seven people's benefits or allowances were withdrawn. One person was dissatisfied with the course. Death was obviously a genuine reason. Some people went to the Department of Justice and Equality, others went on maternity leave, had personal commitments or were unable to cope and transferred to a lower level of training or, in some cases, to a day service. There might be other issues, for example, returning to hospital. There is a significant variety.

With SOLAS, we considered ways to prevent people from dropping out. Our psychologists have done a great deal of work on the assessment process so that it is tailored to focus people on the right courses. According to the Higher Education Authority, HEA's figures, 31% of people drop out in the IT sector. I do not have access to drop-out rates in the further education system, but SOLAS might be able to give us an indication.

Overall, the numbers are comparable at this level of education. People do not tend to drop out of medical school, but there tends to be a higher drop-out rate in other fields, for example, IT and business. Given the fact that the people we are discussing have disabilities, there is additional pressure.