Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)

Not to continue funding really means cuts in funds because the funding is not continuing. As explained to me, these learners in Cashel can do level 4 in Youthreach but cannot do level 5, which is what these young people have set their sights on. Eight distinctions at level 5 are the equivalent of 390 leaving cert points. Even if some people do not get the eight distinctions and get a mixture of pass, merit and distinction, they will get points for every module they undertake. There are no points for level 4 and as level 5 gives them access to college, this is the aim of most of the students.

The students were devastated when they were told about this. One student said that it is disgraceful people are being denied education, when it is constantly preached and encouraged that there are no limits to their learning, and that this seems quite limiting. It is also important to acknowledge the role core staff have had in these students' lives. They are now also facing an uncertain future.

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