Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The fact that the practice is the same across all countries is not sufficient justification to not do what I am proposing. A different situation pertains in Ireland, taking into account the island of Ireland, the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. It is not sufficient to say that a range of courses is provided in the South because if that were the case, there would not be 2,400 students taking equivalency courses in the North West Regional College. These courses lead to QQI equivalency qualifications and there are particular circumstances pertaining to Border areas to which consideration should be given. I ask that the Minister give serious consideration to this matter in light of the serious difficulties being experienced by students in Border areas in accessing third level education and getting a start on the educational attainment route, which is evident from the number of students travelling to Derry to access courses because they cannot do so in Donegal.

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