Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have two questions from Senator Flynn who is unable to be with us today for personal reasons. I will read out the questions and ask the Minister to provide replies to the committee secretariat.

Last week Senator Flynn mentioned the importance of access programmes which are the only route to third level education for many marginalised groups. The current crisis is adding to the extremely challenging obstacles faced by marginalised students. The digital divide, for example, means that many people in marginalised communities do not have adequate access to ICT and digital resources. In light of this, will there be any attempt by the Department to ensure that special provisions are made for access routes into the technological universities? Access routes should not be the only avenue for marginalised students to enter third level education. Senator Flynn mentioned at last week's meeting that apprenticeships and vocational education are also important education routes for marginalised students. She asks if the Department is developing a strategy to ensure the inclusion of these students in the expansion of the technological universities.

I ask that replies to Senator Flynn's questions be provided to the secretariat.