Ms Clare Austick:

I will respond to the point made about investment in education at both second and third level. One of the main reasons there is so much stress and pressure placed on leaving certificate students is the build-up to the examinations. The communication around it is that students should get the leaving certificate, choose a course, go to third level and then that is it. There is no real opportunity to deviate, for example, take time out before going to college. One of the main reasons for that is the cost associated with attending third level education. Students automatically assume they must pick the right course at the age of 17 or 18. People can change, develop and change their mindset and attitude over 20 years. It is completely unfair that this monumental milestone opportunity occurs when people are aged 17 or 18 and there is no other opportunity for them to go back to third level. There are options, access courses and alternative routes but it is more challenging to get into them. When we talk about access to education, we must start with the funding that is allocated to second and third level to ensure there is no financial barrier placed in the way of students.

If a 17-year-old student decides to do a course and after a year decides it would be more beneficial to take three years out to go into the workforce before returning to higher education at the age of 30 or later, that is okay. However, there is a financial barrier because if a person does a course but drops out, he or she must pay more fees. The conversation must be anchored around funding, investment and ensuring that there is no financial barrier to accessing third level education or alternative pathways.