Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree on the removal of barriers. I welcome the detailed debate we will start tomorrow on how to go about doing that. The first thing to do is to radically overhaul the CAO system. It is narrowing the conversation far too early. It is making FET and apprenticeships seem like the poor relation and something one only comes to if one does not get the necessary points. It is creating a points race. I do not think the leaving cert, as currently construed, is fit for purpose. I agree with the OECD findings in respect of it. Work has been going on to review it for about five years and that needs to conclude quickly. I look forward to the chance to tease through a number of these issues tomorrow. I thank the Deputy for giving me opportunities to do it twice this week.

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