The danger is that cutbacks hit the marginalised hardest. Recent reports indicate that the Celtic tiger economy has not bestowed its benefits equally and that the gap between rich and poor is wider than ever – this is true of the education sector too. Unless we fund education to the maximum level, we will not have the education system we deserve. It is imperative the Department recognises the folly of its ways in restricting these vital educational routes and allows everyone participate in the education system and be offered the resources to best fulfil their talents and skills for their individual development and the development of the State.