Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the increase in places for medicine. Concern has been expressed to me by students who did their leaving certificate in 2019, one of whom achieved eight H1 grades. They feel that because of the lack of spaces, they will be at a severe disadvantage if there is points inflation this year. In light of the pandemic, demand in the public health area and our need to educate more doctors, clinicians and medical personnel, we must ensure that we are not putting barriers in place and that we are doing everything possible to invest in extra places in order that those who did the leaving certificate prior to 2020 or 2021 are not disadvantaged or excluded.