Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister will clarify in her final response but from what I have heard, she has said there will be no diminution and no removal of services that are currently in place for the next year. If that is the case, I am absolutely delighted. I could sit down and the Minister could get on to the next question. I will wait for her confirmation. Earlier I spoke about how this impacts parents but it impacts students massively. Imagine if a student had to change school, classes, teachers, lose their friends, or lose their place on a school team. If a student who had done fifth year had to go to another school, different parts of the curriculum might have been completed. It would have a deeply negative impact on their education process. Many families are just not in a position to cease working in order to bring their children to school. Between parents and students, it is absolutely essential that this route is maintained. If the Minister just says yes to me in her response, I will be more than happy.

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