Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the elaboration. It is clear there are supports available. It is about accessing those supports and for students to know they are available and make sure they are kept under review so that they can respond to emerging challenges, unforeseen challenges and circumstances and continue engagement with advocates in particular and young carers and young adult carers. Another related factor is older carers - mature students, people returning to education who provide care or who during the course of accessing further education find themselves having to provide care. It is important that while we talk about young carers and young adult carers, we also have regard to mature students who perform a caring role as well and make sure every step possible can be taken to ensure they can access and stay in further and higher education and avail of the full benefit of that education.

See this speech in context