Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Minister that, having fought for them over the years, we now have two very good institutes of further education in Cavan and Monaghan and I am very glad to be associated with the development of both. We would be glad to welcome the Minister and Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, whenever it is suitable.

We are all aware that the members of the class of 2020 have had a very difficult time. They experienced uncertainty with the leaving certificate and will now go to further or higher education colleges. Some of them have not yet received a timetable setting out how much time they will spend on campus and how much will be done through blended learning. Those starting out in college now have particular challenges. They may not get the on-campus experience which is part of lifelong learning and a particular part of learning for that age cohort. We must ensure that students who are off campus are not left behind. We must also avoid an increased drop-out rate among students in further and higher education arising from the additional challenges facing this particular class. These young people have gone through a difficult time as a result of the uncertainty with the leaving certificate. I compliment everyone in the Department of Education and Skills and the Minister, Deputy Foley, on dealing with a very difficult situation. I ask the Minister ensure this cohort of new students is given particular attention and that additional supports are provided to ensure that as well as blended learning, these students are also able to blend into college life as much as possible.

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