Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Bacik, I welcome the report compiled by the Department of Education and Skills on retention rates for pupils in second level schools. This country has fantastic retention rates in comparison to its European counterparts, particularly its nearest neighbour Britain. We should remember the strength and quality of our education system. Retention rates are increasing all the time. In the current economic climate, it is most important that we should continue to educate young children. Kilkenny has the highest retention rate in the country at 94%.