Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Since 22 October, 21,500 participants were approved for the back to education scheme. This compares with 20,808 in 2009-10, which was a 79% increase on the previous year. The scheme has been broadened and increased dramatically. We must be careful in drawing up terms for this scheme not to create dead weight. It is clear we should focus much of the effort on second level qualifications because those who are further down the education chain find it more difficult to get a job. Those who experience the greatest difficulty getting employment are those with the least employment opportunities. The case has been made to extend the scheme to cover masters' degrees and second primary degrees but that would involve a major commitment to expenditure and we must compare that with the chances people who already have a degree have to get a job.

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