Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party)
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I thank the witnesses for their contributions. Last week, when we discussed the same topic, I asked about the numbers of students going to the UK - Scotland, England and Wales - versus how many are going to the North. It seems to be either comparable or there are more travelling across the sea. I would be interested in the views of the witnesses as to what might be driving that. It is clear from the last comments that around the Border counties it makes sense for people to travel to the North.

We have seen from the recent survey the lack of linkage culturally from the very south of Ireland with the North. There has to be some other reason. We can say all we like about how we would love to have more connections and how it builds peace and understanding. However, there has to be something in it for young people - not just young people - students have to get something out of it. Why are people going across the ocean rather than going north of the Border? I would be interested in the witnesses' thoughts on that.

Professor Ó hÓgartaigh mentioned the all-Ireland rail review and I am delighted he did. What would having that all-Ireland rail review published mean for the west of Ireland, particularly the links around our counties in the north west? He previously mentioned the traffic congestion around the university. What do we need to do to attract people to the university? Transport is part of it. I have spoken to many students in Donegal who might be coming to other parts of the country. The lack of transport links to bring people elsewhere is a real blockage from some of our counties in the north west – accommodation and transport. Those are my questions.

I was interested in the comments around grade inflation in relation to the leaving certificate. It did not impact on everybody and people have various views on it. However, that being a blockage for people who did A-levels is an important and interesting point for us. When we look at the education system at secondary level, we always should take into consideration people in the North of Ireland and how it might impact on those students.