Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late but I have read the two papers. My wish is that everyone who want to should go to third level. My other wish is that most people would stay in the school system and complete the junior and leaving certificates before doing anything else. I am disappointed that Deputy Michael Conaghan has left because he had been very involved in education all through his life, especially where I live. He was very much the wise eyes and ears in the VEC college in Inchicore.

Many young people who had not gone through secondary school attended the VEC and came out with a great education which gave them stability. I am looking at my own life and listening to what has been said. I was an early school leaver. The reality is that at the time it was all about academics. It certainly was not about people's ability and capability. If it had been, I probably would have been an Olympic runner or would have done the long jump or many other things. I was interested to read the paper because for me an education is all about having a proper social life and fulfilment. Education gives people self-esteem, builds them up and makes them the person they did not think it was possible to be. I know many young people who left school early and have gone back to do projects. I have doubts about some of the projects being pursued.

Children would have been better off remaining in secondary school and completing the leaving certificate before pursuing some projects. Education is all about social class. In the past, the people who came from more affluent families would have gone to college while those from a lower education background did not but, thankfully, that is changing. I see that change right across my constituency. As parents have greater expectations for their children to continue in education, the SUSI grant is very important to them. The more people are educated, the better society is for everyone. People come out of it more rounded and are better able to cope with life. I agree with the Senator who said that not everyone who has a third level degree has a brilliant job. Many have had to leave the country. I was not here for the Union of Students in Ireland-----