Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The issue of language learning and education is particularly emblematic of this matter. The Department of Education and Skills has identified issues in access to learning different languages, which could act as an impediment to employment for pupils for the rest of their lives. In a post-Brexit world, Ireland should be improving access to languages rather than damaging it. In particular, a second language for less well-off students could be particularly advantageous. As I am sure Fine Gael colleagues have told the Minister, Fianna Fáil has a policy document on language learning, some of the damage done by Fine Gael and Labour while in government and how to try to rectify that damage. Education must be a leveller so regardless of where someone is born or how much parents make, we should be striving to build an education system that allows pupils to meet their full potential. That objective is not being met in a number of areas.

I am proud that DEIS was established by Fianna Fáil to ensure everybody is looked after but we must ensure people with disabilities, asylum seekers and Travellers have access to the system. Where is the policy on the barriers facing children who are homeless while in education? That will follow them for the rest of their lives, as research has indicated. Nothing has been done by the Department. DEIS is an important policy response but there is so much more to this.

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