Professor Gerry McKenna:

They are very significant questions.

I am not entirely sure what the problem is as regards equivalences between A-levels and the system in the South. The fact is that, traditionally, many students, particularly those in the comprehensive schools, would not have taken four A-levels but three. Perhaps some more imagination was required in dealing with those situations and the equivalencies. Perhaps a lack of urgency and a lack of concentration are the issue. This is so important. As I mentioned in my introductory remarks, the fact is that the southern universities are pretty full with students. They are hardly looking for additional students in that sense. It is an issue that needs to be addressed, however. I know that Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh of the University of Galway, for example, has been looking at this and wishes it to be developed further. It needs to be seen as an issue that is very important. That is why we say it should be done every year. In one sense, though, if it is done properly once it should be fine for a number of years. It is about wanting to ensure there is equivalence and fairness. As someone said, it is easier to get into medicine in Cambridge from Northern Ireland than it is to do a nursing programme in Galway, say. There is something not right with a system that does that.

It needs to be seen as urgent and important. The Deputy mentioned the co-ordination of support. That needs to be developed at a higher level than just institutional support. As I say, it is not immediately apparent to me why an institution in the South would go out of its way, as some have, to recruit students from Northern Ireland. They do not need the students and are not short of them. Student flows in both directions is seen as desirable at a Government policy level. That should be in place.

Further and higher education is not included as a North-South Ministerial Council issue and it was not in the Good Friday Agreement at that time. There was a feeling at that time that perhaps it would work better if it was not overstated. I think the time has come. This is so important. It seems to be entirely relevant to be included in the North-South Ministerial Council as a very important part of what I would regard as non-controversial co-operation, North and South, to the benefit of both jurisdictions, however that is squared up. I would certainly suggest that should be seen as something important.