Ms Clare Austick:

I thank the Senator for her question. Addressing the issue of future learners is crucial in terms of access to education. I refer in particular to funding for the whole third level education sector to ensure that students can avail of third level education. That includes annual and sustainable core funding into the sector for support services, resourcing and staff, which is so important. As regards how unions can support students and staff and ensure their voices are heard, it all comes down to engagement and ensuring effective participation, but also meaningful engagement. That means ensuring that student engagement is not a box-ticking exercise but, rather, that there is a lengthy process involving consultation and that all students and staff can have their say at various points in the process, while also ensuring consideration is given to the outcomes of that process and that what was discussed or suggested is carefully listened to and taken on board. Engagement with representatives of students and staff is the way forward in the context of what can be done to ensure future learners have access to education.