Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

In my constituency of Dublin North-East I have been contacted by some schools that cater for students from disadvantaged areas. They welcome this announcement and fully support the policy that all teacher training colleges reserve places for students from disadvantaged areas. The message needs to be communicated by the Department to all children from disadvantaged areas that they can gain access to training colleges. I also welcome this move by the Government on the grounds of equality and fairness.

What proportions of students from disadvantaged areas have received places on teacher training courses to date, specifically in the Dublin North-East constituency? I hope that as a result of the Government's commitment to this issue the number of places for students from disadvantaged areas will greatly increase.

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