Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Almost 20 years ago in 1994 the Government established the leaving certificate applied. That was a great development in education because it recognised intelligences other than just the intelligence of doing an examination on the basis of remembering everything they had learned after two years of study. It measured the other talents, intelligences, skills and abilities. However, many of the access opportunities that gave to students are gradually being closed. Last weekend, I heard that applicants for the Garda College in Templemore will need something other than the leaving certificate applied - something more theoretical and academic. I believe that is a mistake because the talents and abilities of the people who get the leaving certificate applied are exactly the talents needed in the Garda. Something similar happened with nurses some time ago when they were required to have a university degree. While the talent that people have to be nurses certainly includes those academic qualifications, it also includes the ability to care for and look after people, which is not unlike what is needed in the Garda Síochána.

I urge the Leader to make contact with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the recognition of the leaving certificate applied will continue to give access to those students to be able to qualify to enter the Garda College in Templemore. I believe it is worthy of consideration.