Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael)

I, too, wish to be associated with the remembrance of Pope Francis. I had the pleasure of attending mass in the cathedral in Ballaghaderreen last Saturday delivered by Bishop Kevin Doran and Vicar General Fr. John McManus in recognising and celebrating the Pope’s life. I also wish to be associated with the good wishes towards Martin Groves on his retirement.

I take this opportunity to raise an issue that came up in the local media in Roscommon during the Easter break, that is, a pilot scheme delivering Safe Pass courses to transition year students. It is a pilot scheme spearheaded by Selina Galvin of John F. Hanley Limited in collaboration with a local construction company, Shannon Valley. They have been delivering Safe Pass courses to the students of Scoil Mhuire in Strokestown. It is an initiative that should be replicated and delivered throughout all transition year courses in the country. When I was growing up, you were able to go builders, construction workers and tradespeople during the summer holidays to look for work experience and get paid employment. Students now are hit with safety regulations that are impeding their ability to do something like that during the summer. Delivering a course like this as part of the transition year programme will empower and open up opportunities for those students that will stand to them when they go on to third level or further education. I commend this pilot scheme which took place in Roscommon and look for a discussion with the Minister for Education, Deputy McEntee, or the Minister for further and higher education, Deputy Lawless, to see whether there is an opportunity to introduce this scheme for transition year students nationally.