Alan Kelly (Labour)

I ask the Minister of Education and Science to come to the House to discuss the issue of third level access. In this regard I refer to mature students and those who recently have lost their jobs because of the turnaround in the fortunes of the Celtic tiger, which unfortunately is quite sick at present, especially in respect of the construction and manufacturing sectors. It is sad to note that although hundreds of places remain unfilled in a number of third level institutions, people who have been made redundant through no fault of their own are unable to take them up. A more innovative application process and system should be put in place to facilitate such individual, particularly given the present downturn in the economy. The phenomenon of idle places is nationwide and is not limited to a single region but is particularly prevalent outside Dublin.

The suggestion that those who have been made redundant from the construction or manufacturing sectors require "upskilling" is incorrect as such people already possess skills. While it is unfortunate that their skills are no longer required, such people need reskilling. In many cases they must enter a third level institution to do so, therefore, it is regrettable they are not facilitated in respect of the places available.

An indication that the economy is changing comes from the annual opportunities exhibition taking place in the RDS, at which 16 countries, including most eastern European countries, are advertising to attract back construction industry workers. They probably will attract some Irish workers at the same time. This is a sign of the times and four regions in Poland are attempting to do so. The people in Ireland who are being discommoded and are losing their jobs should be facilitated in respect of third level education.

When the Minister for Education and Science appears before the House to discuss this issue she could also give Members her opinion in respect of the Ó Cuanacháin judgment. In addition, in the absence of the summer works programme she should specify how she proposes to facilitate the maintenance work carried out on schools nationwide during the summer. Boards of management are under enough pressure to raise funds for their schools without the removal of this grant scheme.