Mr. Frank Jones:

I agree with Deputy Farrell. It appears to be very difficult for many people to draw a distinction between the leaving certificate and the CAO points system. That is a problem. I have read it has been that way for more than 50 years. I recognise the problem. In addition to the point that was made by the USI representative, there is a sense that students who achieve high points are wasting an opportunity if they do not go to university, even if they might be better served by taking a different route to higher education or taking a fresh approach. I recognise the challenge highlighted by the Deputy but I do not have a solution for it.

There needs to be a way of separating the usefulness of the leaving certificate and it being linked purely with the number of points one achieves.