John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before Deputy Barrett comes in, I will ask a question related to that issue. The committee has had discussions with a number of witnesses on third level funding and education in general. There has been some agreement, albeit not unanimous agreement, among members about both attendance rates and the fact that so many Irish students go on to third level and the appropriateness of some of the courses they pursue at third level for their future economic prospects and careers. There has been great emphasis among parents, correctly and understandably, on their children receiving an education or an opportunity they may not have received themselves. However, that might not necessarily correspond with the best practice in other European countries that have high-wage economies, are successful from a competitiveness point of view but do not have as high a proportion of their school leavers going on to third level. Perhaps such countries have more young people doing apprenticeships. There is an attempt now to reinvigorate and launch apprenticeships in Ireland but they had largely disappeared as an option for many students for a long time in this economy. What is Professor Clinch's view on that particular subject?