Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

The Minister has firmly slammed the door on the many people seeking to return to education. The Department has failed – I do not believe the Minister is that way inclined – to address the problems faced by those who re-enter the education system. Many of them, aged 21 years plus, having dropped out of education for various reasons, are going through hell on earth trying to fit in with their peers on various courses and do so very successfully as I outlined to the Minister.

The Minister has said we must prioritise in the moneys available and that she has done this, yet she does not see this disadvantaged group as a priority. I am baffled and saddened by this. Returning to education is a huge leap for the many hoping to get a qualification which will provide them with an opportunity to obtain gainful employment in the future.