Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus leis na haíonna freisin as teacht os comhair an choiste. I apologise for missing some of the discussion. Unfortunately, I think members all have about three things on at the same time today.

It is welcome that we are having this discussion, as is the report that has come out up to this point as it tackles a huge number of the issues that had been looked at. I will start with the question of maths and additional points. This is still an issue. Another issue raised by some of the students earlier was the GCSE subject level. I would like to get an understanding of the requirement to have a language at GCSE level. The students feel that should be removed totally. I am interested in hearing the witnesses' views on that and whether they feel it is crucially important for universities. On the maths issue, we heard some thoughts about how that could be dealt with. It still seems to be one aspect that is a barrier.