Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the results of the study published this morning by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, showing that more than 75% of school leavers in 2010 went on to continue their education in higher education institutions, in training programmes, in further education facilities or in second level schools. The report provides very valuable information on the education pathways of students on completion of second level education and I welcome the breakdown in the numbers.

However, I express concern about early school leavers. While it is great we have these numbers, we should delve further into them. I understand there will be series of reports into school leaving and exactly where our young people go. I was somewhat surprised to learn that, contrary to popular opinion, more girls leave school early than boys. More than 20% of girls leave school early, which I found quite surprising.

A higher percentage of children who attend fee paying schools and Irish schools go on to third level education. I am concerned about people who attend DEIS schools and VEC schools where the numbers seem to be down. Sometimes we need to educate students about the possibilities and the scope there for them after school. I would welcome a debate on this whole issue and on the results in the report issued today.