Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From a practical perspective, perhaps that is something that the witnesses, as experts in the field, might consider, and compare their industry to another one. This is my perspective as a complete outsider, making an observation of the observation made that individuals in most work placements are paid, albeit a small amount. That would go a long way, particularly in relation to Ms Feeney's point, which I think is quite stark, that even though they may have zero income and very small savings, individuals are not going to get a grant under any circumstances because the chances are they were working in the previous year. I can think of plenty of other industries, including one I am involved in through marriage, that is horrible in that sense. It is not just about the education, but is also about the practice afterwards. It takes years before one breaks even, and then one has to figure out how to pay back the debts from the preceding ten years. That is from experience.