Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. When it comes to debates on education, there is great passion shown by Senators, whether in government or in opposition and whether they are lecturers, teachers, parents or students. While we may differ in opinions, we all have the desire to make the system as good as possible for students. Fianna Fáil is committed to providing education that is accessible to all, cherishes and promotes inclusivity, equality of opportunity and lifelong learning and advances research and innovation. Access to third level education continues to be a national priority for the Government and the Department. As Senator Clonan noted, the Minister has flair and a great desire to get this done. I admire him and his officials for what they are doing.

We should consider statistics that compare Ireland with other countries. For example, Ireland ranks third in the OECD for the rate of third level education attainment, at 54%, compared with an average of 41%. Ireland is 13% higher than the OECD average. That is a big plus for Irish education and shows that, despite some failures we might have, we move in the right direction in terms of education. The percentage of young people aged between the ages of 18 and 24 who are not in employment, education or training dropped to 12.1% in 2021, down from the previous year and well below the OECD average of 16.1%. I am not saying a rate of 12.1% is acceptable, but we are well ahead of the OECD average and that should be acknowledged. Of 18- to 24-year-olds in Ireland, 63% are in education. That is well above the OECD average of 54% and the EU22 average of 59%. Those are all pluses and we should acknowledge that.

Students are facing difficulties accessing affordable accommodation. The Minister is addressing that and gave a very good account of himself in that regard but, of course, we want more progress from the Government. I know he and the Government are committed to addressing this issue.

I pay tribute to all the students I see in supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and down on the farms, working every weekend. They take every job they can get. Even though they are very well paid by employers, I often think how little that money is worth to them, given the cost of living, yet every weekend they get up and make that sacrifice. They sometimes miss football matches, family occasions or going out with friends but they do it because they want to achieve. We should recognise all those students who, in general, are fantastic people. It always strikes me when I walk into a shop or hotel, I see these students and their commitment to earning a few bob. I know many of them from down home.

We should realise that some students do not like asking their parents for assistance on an ongoing basis. I always tell students to ask their parents if they need help. A very difficult situation is developing in this country at the moment. Drug lords are making their way to students and attempting to gain access to their bank accounts to put money through them. This is a significant issue about which we should all be concerned. One can understand how it can happen when students are short of money to get from week to week. I appeal to students not to go down that road and I appeal to parents, lecturers and us as politicians not to let them fall into this trap. It can ruin their whole lives, give them a criminal conviction and destroy their ability to get on in life. It has been a problem in England and left many young people there with a criminal record, although there has been a move by the justice department over there to remove those situations from students who were found guilty. I make that appeal in order to make us all aware of the situation. In this cost-of-living crisis, students may not want to go back to mam and dad again, or to an uncle or aunt or to whomever they talk, but ask them to please do so. It is the best way to go.

I acknowledge the continued increase in funding for education and what the Minister has done in that regard. That is important. Some universities or colleges renting accommodation to students seem to be charging them a significant amount of money, such as €800 or €900. That is going on at some colleges, even those in the west of Ireland. I accept the college may have borrowing commitments relating to the development of the property but the Government should make every effort to buy up that accommodation and rent it out. Students should be paying rent at a rate of €500 or €600 a month if at all possible. Something has to be charged for it but it is tough on students to be expected to pay so much. I know of a lad and some of his friends in different accommodation in Galway who are paying €1,000 for a room. This situation affects a person in my family and some of his friends. It is happening. It is crazy. It is intolerable. As Senator Clonan stated, some people may have two or three children at third level. It is great to see people progressing but the cost of student accommodation is a significant burden, even for people on middle incomes. It is an awful lot of money. Like any genuine family member or parent, people want to do it for the good of their children. They want them to be happy and content and to progress at what they want to get on with in life.

The Minister made an important point about the nurses who are now in training and the fact that access to that course is not based on their leaving certificate results. I was glad to hear him say that. I am not taking away from the students who put in a lot of effort, study hard and are committed but there are many students of wonderful ability who, for whatever reason, cannot do well in exams. They now have many chances to get on through the education system. It has been repeatedly proven that they make fine nurses and staff in other areas of the public service. They are getting a chance they might not otherwise have received.

There are challenges within the system but the reality is we are in a pretty good place. Accommodation is the issue we need to address. We must ensure it does not squeeze out people. I am confident the Minister will address it and the Government will continue to support education. I again pay tribute to the Minister on his role in this. He has a flair for it and is serious about it. He gives us a good feeling about it. We are all unhappy with certain things now and again but, in general, the Minister’s heart and mind are in the right place and the Government is backing him on that.