Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I thank all the witnesses for their very interesting contributions. It is great to see a lot of positive work in the areas that they represent.

Listening to Dr. Murphy, I was interested in, and it was probably the first time that I looked at it in detail, the whole area of academic integrity, which, obviously, is crucially important to our reputation both nationally and internationally. It was very interesting to hear that.

In terms of Mr. Conlon’s presentation, it is absolutely great to see our five technological universities up and running. We are looking forward, as a committee, to having the opportunity to engage further around the opportunities and challenges that are there. I note that the University of Limerick, UL, is leading the way in terms of several consortia-led apprenticeships, which is top class, as well as the fact that there are significant progression pathways developed. I am particularly interested in the next national access plan, which will be starting this year. Perhaps he could enlighten us in terms of what will differentiate the previous plan with this. In terms of equity of access to those from marginalised backgrounds and those with disabilities, we have discussed here before the lack of progression, sometimes, for people with disabilities into further education. He might also address the digital divide, which became very obvious during Covid and the proposals he would make around that.

It is good to see Mr. Brownlee again at this committee. He mentioned how 35,000 people had visited the CAO link for apprenticeships. This could be really changing things because many previous concerns were just about that parity of esteem and this is addressing it. It is great. When will he be in a position to quantify how that has turned into practical measures? It would be really good for the committee to get an update at that point in time. I completely agree with him that funding for further education and apprenticeships cannot be separated from higher education funding. They all absolutely have to be the same.

Dr. Trant talked about the strong pipeline available and the earn-as-you-learn model.

I really do believe that the message is getting out. Even in the past 12 months, there has been a lot more about that. We are talking about 8,300 employers and how that must grow to a minimum of 10,000. I acknowledge and accept that there is good engagement with the business community. What are the challenges from the business community for making this participation greater? What do we need to put in place, not just from the education committee but also at a broader level?

Student loans were mentioned in the Cassells report. What are the witnesses' views on the different models that were presented at that? The witnesses might also mention the need to develop accommodation on campus. This is very important for all.