Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy David Cullinane mentioned the impact of Brexit. The Commissioner plans to host a European education summit, which is welcome, to improve co-operation in providing for the mobility of students. The implications of Brexit are a major concern for us. Some 12,000 Irish students are studying in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Last week's news was positive in having a softer Brexit than anticipated, but it is still a major concern. Our universities are under a great deal of pressure and the Central Applications Office process would have to change completely if we had to absorb another 12,000 students, apart from the need from a European perspective to give students, lecturers and so on the mobility to study or work abroad.

The basic skills of Irish students in maths and science are high according to the Education and Training Monitor and relatively unaffected by socioeconomic background, which is positive, but there is a risk that other subjects such as the humanities may suffer as a result of the emphasis placed on maths and science. That debate has started strongly in the past 12 months and I am interested in hearing the Commissioner's views on it.

Ireland compares well in meeting education targets for early school leaving rates. However, there are still many inequalities in participation and access. That is a key problem for us at every level. It has been suggested limiting the number of students who participate in tertiary education is a failing and needs to be addressed. Does the Commissioner agree that this causes a points race and that there is an an over-emphasis on academic achievement? There is a risk that other parts of a student's development such as resilience are being ignored. Sometimes students accept courses to which they may not be entirely suited, but they are more desirable to do because they require higher points. That can contribute to a higher dropout rate.

I thank the Commissioner. It is a pleasure to meet and engage with him.