Mr. Ned Costello:

I might just follow Dr. O'Connor with some slight contextualisation of the dropout on the ICT side. There is a strong correlation with mathematical attainment in the leaving certificate, which is why we believe that is an issue that must be addressed. Dr. O'Connor is correct that when points fall, as they did, because of demand, it meant that students could get in with fewer points, which was reflected in non-progression rates.

On the point Deputy Conaghan made-----