Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is good to see that the retention rate is improving and reaching that level. I would cite what the Minister herself said about DEIS schools and the fact that the retention rate there is not as good. I welcome that she is looking at that.

7 o’clock

It is important to make sure that as many people as possible have the highest possible level of educational attainment because that would be reflected in their job opportunities in future. According to the European Commission country report in 2022, Ireland has a higher than average early school leaving rate for people with disabilities at 27.8% versus the EU average of 23.6%. That is an area of concern that we and the Department could focus on for the future. It is important that we give every child, including children with a disability, the best chance to gain full employment in the future. The Minister might comment on that.

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