Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I find it odd. I invite the Minister and his officials to look at Professor Clancy's work, which shows how access has been opened up. I refer to the CIE bus supervisor. That person's children were not able to access third level education but they are now able to do so. Like free secondary education, this has been one of the best steps forward this country has taken. I am sure the Minister will agree that the employment future lies in knowledge-based industry and development. Deciding to pull back on helping as many people as possible to access third level education is not desirable. It is interesting that the Minister has highlighted that measure out of all the range.

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