Seanad debates

Thursday, 9 February 2012

3:00 pm

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

I take it from the answer the requirement to do the three week placement will remain in place and students will have to cover the costs. There needs to be some form of recognition that there are many students from lower socioeconomic groups who will not be in a position to pay for courses, which would exclude them from the possibility of being able to complete their courses. The Minister should reconsider putting the funding is back in place. In the overall context of the Department, this does not involve massive funding.

If that is not possible, there should be some form of funding available for people who cannot afford it, are in a position of hardship or come from very low income backgrounds. Such people should be helped in terms of funding for these courses in order that there is a fair playing field for all people across the spectrum from all parts of society. We should not create an elitist situation where if one has the money, one can get a teaching degree but if one does not one cannot. I fear that could happen.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.