Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Finucane's call for a debate on the drop-out rate of students aged 14 years of age in disadvantaged areas. This is a serious issue because it is too late to help these students if they drop out at that age. Their problems should be detected earlier, perhaps before they leave primary education. The Minister for Education and Science is aware of the problem but I call on the Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House to debate the issue.