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

The committee and the witnesses, as individuals within the Department, must recognise that the fifth years who are now sixth years are at a distinct disadvantage to their peers. I welcome what Dr. Hislop said, but I would urge caution and suggest members might pause their consideration of this matter and how it might affect the current sixth years to a later stage, perhaps with the student representative body which, I know, has been in touch with the committee in writing. It would be very helpful if we engaged in a meaningful discussion with it on this matter at a later point. I thank Dr. Hislop for his responses.