Ms Jane-Ann McKenna:

I thank the committee for having us in to share some of the progress that has been made as a result of Irish Aid's funding and Ireland’s support for education and we hope this continues. It is obvious from many of the contributions today – and I particularly thank those who joined us from Somalia, Nigeria and New Zealand – that regardless of where we are in the world there are some common approaches that work in progressing education for those who are marginalised and for girls. In particular, I mention having a community-based approach and targeted programmes that are addressed and tailored towards girls to ensure their participation. There are a number of groups that fall outside educational systems, including migrants and refugees. We need to ensure they are brought in and that those who are the furthest behind get access to education and fulfil their right to quality education.