Ms Roisin Doherty:

I will comment on the Deputy's first point where he talked about a path for every learner. We hope that in further education, through working with the school and linking to the ETB, there would be a path for every single learner. We are working with learners with profound disabilities. These are people who want to do a PhD through apprenticeships so I would say to anybody watching who is a parent to contact his or her local ETB and set up a one-to-one guidance with one of the 270 guidance officers available across the country. They can offer the young person an opportunity, whether through a one-hour programme or a 40-hour programme. It could be in someone's local community, a local training initiative, a PLC, an evening course or community education. That service is open for any age group from 18 onwards but in cases such as Youthreach, it can be brought down to a younger age group. A guidance process is available to guide someone on his or her pathway as he or she goes through life. This process can start at any age and progress to various different programmes and apprenticeships.

The Deputy mentioned supports. I am delighted to say that a budget of €36 million is allocated to the education and training boards for supports across ETBs. Within that is a general allocation fund to provide whatever support the learner needs, be it bus transport or one-to-one tuition. Everybody's needs should be met through that particular fund. It has increased significantly over the years. The principle of universal design is a mindset approach to say that the system must be universal. That brings in all those aspects of universal design but if the funds are not available to back that up, there are difficulties. It is a case of hearts and minds as well as making sure the funds are available. I hope this answers the Deputy's question. I can certainly go into more detail.