John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Two points came to mind as Ms Joyce spoke. On the idea of a policing modus operandi, I come from the primary sector and I have to say, in fairness to the schools, I have not generally found that to be the case. It may be different as the children get older.

It might be more of a necessity then. That is the first point.

Ms Joyce pointed out that the junior certificate can be seen as a completion point that some people do not go beyond. That comes back to the point that that coincides with the age by which the child might no longer benefit from the educational welfare service. Would it be beneficial to increase that to 18, in recognition that it should not be operated in a manner whereby it is policing but offers support to make sure that the child completes their journey?