Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will allow other members to come back in. Ms O'Connor referred to opportunities for younger people to become teachers and that most current teachers may come from a middle-class background. I presume she was referring to primary and post primary. That is very concerning because I think everybody should have an opportunity to follow their dream in life, whatever that may be. I know education can be seen as expensive. I ask Ms O'Connor to flesh out that point a little.

In autumn, the committee will be starting a conversation on leaving certificate reform. I believe the leaving certificate is totally outdated. This idea of having to put everything into three hours in June after six years of secondary education is crazy, particularly when one considers the pressure that puts on students. This has been talked about for years but the talking should stop. We will definitely be bringing in the witnesses' organisations when we are doing that work on leaving certificate reform. I ask the witnesses to comment briefly on those points.