Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to support Senator Conway's call for an independent review into University Hospital Limerick. I raise the matter every second week and have done so for the last year. The problem is ongoing and it is not good enough.

Yesterday was international day of education. The Minister, Deputy Harris, was in Limerick yesterday. I had the pleasure of visiting some schools with him. He spoke about CAO offers and the choices to be made. We had good engagement with the students in St. Mary's secondary school and Coláiste Mhichíl CBS secondary school. They are both DEIS schools. The students were delighted to have engagement with the Minister and to be able to discuss their upcoming leaving certificate, college places and what they are thinking about doing. I was interested by the number of people who were interested in apprenticeships, which now appear on the CAO form and which did not before. It is also on the website. This is really encouraging. Since the previous year, there have been some 1,500 extra applications for apprenticeships. It is really encouraging. While a degree course suits some, it does not suit all. It should be highlighted and people who are interested in apprenticeships should be encouraged. It is a form of education.

Senator McGreehan raised the course SNAs are encouraged to take yet their qualification is not recognised in their pay and it is not accredited. Something has to happen. Education is the order of the day but it needs to be looked at. I would like the Leader's support.