Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I am. Cuirim fáilte roimh gach duine anseo. I have met many of them before. I wish Professor Cusack the best in her role as well.

I wish to look back at what Deputy O'Callaghan raised in respect of STEM courses earlier. The answer was given, as I recall, in terms of diversity. Is it simply a question of diversity? This is a question coming from me rather than a statement. Is it simply a question of diversity or is it also one of quality? Is this connected with the question of whether we are losing ground in our education system at second level? Is it something connected with the subject we hope to have the witnesses in on in due course, namely, the question of leaving certificate reform? Does THEA see those as connected issues around assessment, the syllabus, attracting students and getting quality results? That is the first question.

I have one other question I want to ask. Why is THEA so against student loans? I can understand that there would be a revolution now if it were to be proposed in the context of the diminished student experience but we are facing major financial challenges in the country. I would have thought a student loan system does not automatically mean higher charges for students. What is so wrong with such a system if repayment, the start date and the rate of repayment is tied to the future income level of the graduate and to his or her ability to pay?