Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

They are everywhere. They are sitting behind the Minister in the Dáil as well. When we brought a motion before the House last October, the Minister stated that he was reintroducing fees in order to refinance access for the disadvantaged to education. A week or two later the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Coughlan, withdrew the back to education allowances. Thankfully, they have been returned as a result of an amendment tabled in this House.

In response to what Senator Brady said, children are preparing for their leaving certificate examinations this week. Those children are under enough stress already without having to worry whether they will get access to third level education or how, if they are successful in that regard, their parents will be able to provide the necessary finance.