Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 22:

In page 28, line 14, to delete "age;" and substitute the following:

"age,

and(iii) at least 5 per cent have entered the applicant institutes at NQF level 5 or below;".

This amendment, which I have moved on behalf of Senator Higgins, seeks to ensure the good track record of institutes of technology in attracting and accommodating a diversity of students is preserved in the technological universities. As many institutes of technology have a strong commitment to providing pathways to students from non-traditional learning backgrounds, they have given many students an opportunity to study at third level that would otherwise not have been open to them. This amendment seeks to protect this tradition. I would like to hear what the Minister of State has to say on this issue.