Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I do not think we should compare or pit any student against another. It is important every child has access to education and can progress. It is important also to acknowledge that a huge number of young people can access grants - there has in fact been an increase over the years in the number of young people who can access SUSI - but also the investment that has gone into higher education to reduce the fees for those attending college or university. Obviously that has a positive knock-on impact on parents who are supporting their children. There have in the past been reviews looking at the boundaries. There is unfortunately always going to be someone who is on the wrong side of it, but every single year the Government has done more and more to allow, support and encourage more students into higher and further education. I have no doubt this Government will respond and act in the same way.

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