Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I thank Minister coming into the House. Last Monday, Deputy Kerrane and myself met students in St Cuan’s College in Castleblakney. Those students last Monday gave up their dinner time or their lunch break and went out to stand together in solidarity looking for the hybrid system that they believe they deserve. I believe they deserve it. In fairness, most Deputies around the country believe that the choice should be given to those pupils. Today, we see students in different parts of the country looking for the same.

Bear in mind that many families unfortunately have been affected by the Covid and have lost time. The same has happened to teachers and we must remember this as well. I was rather surprised to hear the Taoiseach at Leaders’ Questions today state that there may difficulties because they may not be enough college places. Are we now saying that a student sits the leaving certificate exam so that we will be able to make sure that X number will get in and X number will not? I would be very worried about that. The Minister's Department needs to go back and look at this. I will hand her a copy of the letter.

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