Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have exhausted this topic.

There have been reports in the newspapers about colleges being in financial trouble. I do not want to single any out, and I do not know the background or the truth, but I have seen reports regarding the institutes of technology.

The institutes are important for providing access for people from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, including rural communities. They should be supported. Is there an update on this front? Did this matter form part of the considerations during the Estimates process? Has provision been made for colleges that need support?

The Minister is aware of my views on the diversity of patronage model. I am concerned that we are segregating people, perhaps even as regards race and socioeconomic background. That is not possible in a village. If there is just one school, it must be for everyone. I noticed reports in The Irish Timesabout a proposal from the bishops of a model similar to the one used for community colleges at second level, in that the church would come on board. This might be a route towards divestment and I would view it favourably. My goal is for there to be one model of school throughout the country that involves everyone on a negotiated basis. At what stage is the proposed model? Is it an actual proposal yet or has there been negotiation on it? It would be like having a community national school, but it would involve the church like the community college model does. My understanding is that some schools might divest into that model. Will the Minister provide an update?

I understand that the Minister and her Department are trying to mainstream supports for Travellers and move away from the old, somewhat ad hoc model. Will there be research on the outcome? Will this model result in more success? I attended an event yesterday at which I gave out awards to Travellers who had got their junior certificates through a programme. It is important that more Travellers complete school. Has the Minister anything to say in this regard?