Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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On the underrepresented groups, we touched on one, which is obviously women, but a large range of other groups are not represented. Part of that is to do with the stereotype. It would be remiss of us to sit back and just say there is a bit of a stereotype. Practically speaking, what can be done? We are talking about targeting early years education at areas of disadvantage and targeting those who are not included yet and trying to bring them in. It goes back to convening the industry because in order to be able to progress, particularly for apprenticeships, it tends to be more job focused. If one is talking to people in a disadvantaged community, one needs to be able to show them that path. I do not think we are there yet but, as I said, there is plenty of goodwill.

Regarding how that would be done, do the witnesses see the Department of Education as leading on this or is it the witnesses in a convener role, bringing industry all together, or does everybody have to drive it? The witnesses know and I know that if it is everybody's responsibility, it is nobody's responsibility and nothing gets done. Who will drive this and make a real difference, particularly for DEIS schools, disadvantaged areas, socioeconomically excluded groups, and persons with disabilities? If everyone is in charge, nobody is in charge.