Eoghan Kenny
Cork North-Central · Labour Party · Ireland
“The barriers facing families today may be different but the principle has not changed. The Labour Party believes opportunity should be determined by talent, effort and ambition, not by the balance in a parent's bank account. Technology has transformed education for the better and it is now an essential part of modern schooling.”
“Parents across Ireland are sitting at kitchen tables trying to work out how they are going to pay for another school year. For far too many families, the excitement of a child returning to school has been replaced by financial anxiety. Increasingly, parents are being forced into debt simply to educate their children.”
“Having been a teacher in two schools, I recognise that these tablets and these laptops that are provided to schools break and that maintenance for them is coming out of capitation grants that cannot be fulfilled by the schools because they are using capitation grants elsewhere.”
“I raise the issue of the lack of a plan for a new public sector pay deal and the lack of engagement on this matter. SIPTU, Fórsa, Unite and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, are now to ballot their members for industrial action, up to and including strike action.”
“We need to stop pretending otherwise and introduce enforceable protections for families. As schools become more dependent on technology than ever before, the Government has cut the ICT grant by almost €15 million. That grant stands at just €35 million with no dedicated funding for repairs or maintenance.”
“It is a guidance letter once again, a guidance circular that was produced by the Minister at the time in 2017 that gave absolutely no consequences to the school for having branded school uniforms. In my opening speech I, as well as my colleagues, welcomed the free books scheme.”
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“I second the motion and commend my colleague Deputy Smith and all in the Labour Party for drafting and bringing it before the House. The Labour Party has provided as many options as it can to Government to take further action against Israel and its campaign of genocide. With more than 50,000 Palestinians murdered and their infrastructure and society being wiped out around them, I struggle to imagine how normal life will ever return to Palestine. That is, if there ever has been a normal life for Palestinians. For decades, they have dealt with a powerful occupier funded by the world's best-resourced warmongers. They have had their land and homes stolen and have suffered apartheid for years. They have seen their families murdered and children slaughtered in front of them.”
“They just do not have enough money. The Minister has assisted me with particular cases and I really appreciate that but it is absolutely necessary to look at the capitation grant per student. We called for a national assembly on education in our 2024 manifesto. I would appreciate it if all stakeholders could be involved once the Department calls a national assembly. I appreciate that the Minister's is a very extensive role. I will continue to work with her but we have serious challenges to outcome.”
“We must also look at how to attract teachers who have left Ireland back to our country. Perhaps we should look at their place on our incremental scale. As I have asked previously, would it be possible to put people who have spent four years teaching in England on point 4 of the incremental scale when they come back? To mention a personal point of view that we have also raised in a Private Members' motion, it is absolutely necessary that teachers have the opportunity to upskill in seizure first aid in school. That is a personal thing for me. I would appreciate it if the Minister's Department could look at providing free seizure first aid training for all staff, including SNAs, caretakers, teachers and school management. The issue of the capitation grant per student is constantly being raised with me. Schools are being referred to the FSSU.”
“That is absolutely true but the modern classroom is changing so significantly that we need far more. Sanctioning such posts is an absolute priority. I will speak about secretaries. My grandmother has been a secretary in a primary school for the last 30 years. She is 70 years old and will retire without a pension. That is a fact. We need to take a serious look at pension parity for all staff, including caretakers, secretaries and all ancillary staff throughout the country. We also need to look at incentives to undertake the professional master of education programme. I was lucky enough to have done a bachelor's degree in education and so did not have to pay the €6,000 or €7,000 each year for the two years of a professional master of education programme. We need incentives.”
“The role of special educational needs co-ordinator must be a stand-alone position. I will also speak about special needs assistants, SNAs. I previously asked about an SNA freeze. I was told this did not happen and that no directive was sent out. The principal of a school in Mallow who contacted me was told over the phone that this was what had happened. A school principal has also told my colleague, Deputy Ahern, who represents Dublin South-West, over the phone that this was what they had been told by the SENO. There was obviously nothing in writing. I am not saying anything. Perhaps it is not true but I ask the Minister to once again clarify the role of special needs assistants and to provide sanction for more of them. We have the highest number of them in our system ever.”
“It is a fantastic subject and really does set you up. The preparation of your CV and other parts of that curriculum are absolutely essential. We should also try to get students into apprenticeships. We must provide them with those opportunities. I will also specifically focus on the staff within our schools. I have brought up the role of the special educational needs co-ordinator with the Minister in the Dáil previously. This role is an assistant principal 1 post. As I have seen throughout all of my time both as a student and as a teacher, the role of special educational needs co-ordinator must be a stand-alone position. We are putting people who have been promoted to an AP1 post into this position despite the fact that they may have had no training in the role.”
“Paying for uniforms is still an enormous cost for parents. I welcome the roll-out of the hot meals school programme. I have seen it at first hand. It operated in the school I taught in. I welcome that. It is appropriate and fitting. However, we need to look at the further costs imposed on parents. I ask for a concrete timeframe for DEIS plus and a concrete budget in respect of the public expenditure that is going to be involved. I spoke about access to third level in a committee meeting yesterday and I spoke to the Minister, Deputy Lawless, about it on the floor of the Dáil the other day. This needs to be focused on. I appreciate the fact that the leaving certificate applied programme and the LCVP are being taken up by far more students. That is absolutely to be welcomed. I did the LCVP myself.”
“If we are opening a school there, the wastewater treatment plant will play a significant role. I appreciate that Carrignavar is being sanctioned a special school. DEIS plus was recognised in the Minister's contribution today but I still do not see any budget or concrete timeframe on the introduction of DEIS plus. I was privileged to teach in a poor socioeconomic area in Cork city where there are serious barriers to education for a lot of children who are brought up in families which might not value education as much as other families throughout the country. I was privileged to get the opportunity to teach those students and to play an important role in their lives. However, there are still serious barriers to education for many people. We still have voluntary contributions in most of our voluntary schools across the country.”
“I welcome that school places are opening but we need to talk about appropriate school places. They are essential. If we do not open appropriate school places, we will have children travelling long distances throughout their county to get to school. I will focus, in particular, on my own constituency of Cork North-Central. I absolutely welcome that a special school will be opening in Carrignavar but we need to work on the logistics of it far quicker than we are working on them right now because we cannot allow children who have special educational needs to be travelling to Fermoy to go to school. We need to get the ball rolling now, get this over the line and get Carrignavar opened again. Of particular relevance in this regard - it spans across the Ministry for housing as well - is the wastewater treatment plant there.”
“We are proceeding with the redevelopment of science, biology, chemistry and physics without any updated health and safety guidelines in the science laboratories. The last ones were before I was even born. We have serious issues in relation to special educational needs. I do not doubt the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan's bona fides on this. The Minister of State is a man of integrity. I recognise the work both he and the Minister have done. I recognise that 399 new special classes have been opened but I fear that we are still almost trying to catch up with the disaster that has been in the education system for the past ten to 15 years. I still am dealing with parents on a daily basis who cannot get access to what they would consider an appropriate school place.”
“The Irish Science Teachers Association requested a meeting with the Minister and that has not taken place. I would appreciate if that would take place because they have serious concerns and they are the ones on the ground in our laboratories teaching in our schools. I would appreciate if that contact could be made. It is also important to recognise that in the majority of the private schools across the country we have employed laboratory technicians and we do not have them in the public schools. As I said, the infrastructure that is in place is not adequate to deal with these changes. The last time health and safety guidelines were introduced for leaving certificate science was 1996.”
“They have to be appreciated because I share these reservations with the majority of secondary school teachers and parents across the country. I genuinely believe it is a rushed reform. It has been thought out for a number of years but what we are doing right now is almost providing incentives for teachers to take it on board, with this 5% pay increase and getting a contract after one year in the school. It will favour children from more affluent families as well. I have stated on the floor of the House previously that, as we are all well aware, we have vocational schools across the country that have 100-year-old infrastructure in place. I know there has been funding allocated towards science laboratories, in particular, but it is not covering the cost. That is what I am hearing from science teachers.”
“First, I welcome to the Gallery today Diarmaid Dulohery from Blarney, Louise Ahern, Pat Egan and my brother, Marc Kenny. This is the first time most of them have been in Leinster House and I wish them a fantastic day. I welcome this debate. It is seriously important but with this debate, I would appreciate that we would take these issues on board and work with them. I will begin in relation to leaving certificate reform. As the Minister will be aware, this is something that I have a great passion about because I taught in two secondary schools and my subject of business is part of tranche 1, which will be part of the reform come this September. I appreciate that this is an enormous change in the senior cycle curriculum. However, I have my reservations about it.”
“The people of Ireland want it. We have been on the side of peace and justice on this issue for a long time. We can do more. I am begging the Tánaiste to do more.”
“Dáil Éireann wants it. The world needs to see it. The people of Palestine need it desperately. The Taoiseach often says in this Chamber that we are an outlier in Europe and the rest of the world with the actions we have taken. The fact that this Chamber may be the only assembly in the world that is saying Ireland is not doing enough should be taken on board. The country that the world views as having the most solidarity with the Palestinian cause is calling on the Government loud and clear to do more. As a father himself, I do not doubt the Tánaiste's personal bona fides on this. It is positive to hear that he will bring an updated memo to Cabinet next week on the occupied territories Bill. However, I am fearful of this Government's response, not the Tánaiste's personal one. I remain hopeful. Dáil Éireann wants it.”
“I welcome the lobbying the Government has done in the European Union on behalf of the Palestinian cause. I welcome the fact that the Government has continued these efforts in the face of the EU's refusal to recognise what is happening right before our eyes. This week, 17 member states called for a review of the co-operation deal with the State of Israel. This is, of course, welcome but I cannot help but feel embarrassed at how long it has taken to get to this point. How many innocent children have been murdered to get to this point? It feels like some sort of a sick joke to reconsider the EU co-operation deal with Israel. The Government must act. We must enact the occupied territories Bill, for the love of God. The Government supported every Stage of the passage of this Bill. It should enact it. The Irish people want it.”
“If the headline stated that 14,000 Irish, British or American babies would starve to death without aid in the next 48 hours, would we stay completely silent? If the answer is "No", ask yourself why and speak up now. We are witnessing a genocide being livestreamed on our handheld devices. Every day, people across the world are seeing images and videos of innocent civilians and children being slaughtered. There is no grey area. No one can deny the pure and simple fact: Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. Israel has committed multiple war crimes. Israel has a terrorist government led by a war criminal. I welcome and support the actions taken thus far by the Irish Government to call out this murderous Israeli campaign for what it is.”
“Planning early intervention, allowing assessments of need to take place, providing the necessary supports and having school places ready for children sound like basic rights but we do not provide these services. The Labour Party has consistently brought solutions to the Government. They are genuine and very possible but just need Government approval.”
“Supports must be put in place. The role of special needs assistants in our schools is pivotal and of course they benefit the children they assist. Schools across the country have to beg for SNAs. I have had constant communication with school principals across Cork North-Central and they have informed me that trying to increase the number of SNAs or keep SNAs is like knocking on a brick wall. It is so difficult and such is the level of need that school management, particularly at mainstream level, find themselves acting as SNAs. Early intervention is essential, particularly regarding school places. All Members of this House are consistently asked for help in securing school places for children. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been in government for the best part of ten years and the situation is actually getting worse.”
“We have failed and continue to fail children across the country. There are 15,296 children waiting for an assessment of need, many of whom are in my county, Cork. For far too long, families across the country have had to beg for services and supports. Nobody in this Chamber wants this type of Ireland. We are told that finance will not be a barrier, but what about personnel? We consistently hear about the lack of services within our system. The HSE itself will tell you that. Earlier, my colleague Deputy Alan Kelly, said he thinks this was a cry for help from the HSE. I do not believe he is wrong. I want to focus specifically on children in school and the lack of assessments of needs. Having been lucky enough to teach in two fantastic schools, I note that the level of need in a modern classroom is far different from that of 20 years ago.”
“But to get an Early Intervention Class for them they both need a formal diagnosis and obviously having twins I am going to find it extremely difficult to get a space for them both …. I [have now considered but] can't afford to go private for assessment for them … She states she has enquired about taking out a credit union loan but currently just cannot afford the cost. She adds: Is there anything I can do to progress their AON Assessment so that I can get a formal diagnosis and hopefully secure an Early Intervention Class for them. Also to note I have been in contact with one School who said they can't … put them on a waiting list for a space until we have an official formal diagnosis. This cross-party motion refers to what is a shocking indictment of the failure of the State.”
“I commend Cara Darmody and her father, Mark. I was delighted to meet them this morning with my party leader, Deputy Ivana Bacik, at the gates of Leinster House. I commend Cara on the wonderful work she is doing. I want to read an email I received from a parent: I am just touching base to see if anything can be done to try and progress an Autism Assessment. I have 3 year old twins who both need Assessment … (we have only just been accepted by CDNT Mallow), and CDNT have told me that they have since gone back and requested … [an outsourcing of] the assessment just under a month ago now. They currently attend Mainstream Creche/Pre School 3 days a week but the room leader has mentioned to me that she feels they would really benefit from an Early Intervention Class ….”
“What is happening now forcing teachers to support senior cycle reform. A teacher informed me yesterday that instead of addressing the very real concerns many teachers have regarding the pressing issues with rushed reforms, it feels as if they are being bullied to concede. He said that their students deserve better, and so do they. This could possibly be the issue that defines Deputy McEntee's legacy and Minister for Education and Youth. I do not want her to rush it.”
“The Government is literally using support measures for senior cycle reform as a negotiating tool. These are essential for any reform. There will be a significant impact on students' experiences of senior cycle reform. As someone who has experience in the field, I am of the view that this senior cycle reform is absolutely destined to fail. The package includes fast-tracking permanent contracts for new teachers, more middle management in schools and changes to the hours under the Croke Park agreement. The Government seems to have a great plan to alleviate teacher shortages and continues to boast about this. Now, however, it is saying that it is not going to do so unless there is compliance with leaving certificate reform. The Government is playing students off the teachers. The measures do not go far enough; they are simply not enough.”
“I appreciate that testers are to be added and the Minister of State might clarify that. It is very important that testers be added immediately and fast-tracked as quickly as possible. I appreciate the Minister of State will do everything in his power, but it is people of my age who are suffering from this. We cannot continue to have a flawed system. I would appreciate if the Government could fast-track the number of testers in the system while also importantly providing public transport in rural parts of our constituencies.”
“Yesterday, I spoke about the lack of apprentices in the fields that we so badly need, particularly plumbers, carpenters and tradespeople. The majority of these people also rely on the car as a means of transport because public transport is not freely available to them. However, these people cannot rely on the car if they cannot get to do a test. That is simply the bottom line here. A young man my own age living just outside Mallow contacted me. He wants to be a paramedic but unfortunately had to turn down the position of paramedic this year because his driving test had not been completed. While the announcement of new testers to be added to the system is absolutely to be welcomed, we cannot wait until November 2025 to see the full allocation of testers.”
“As the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, will be well aware, a car is an absolute necessity in any rural part of Ireland now. In a number of parts of my constituency of Cork North-Central, a car is an absolute necessity because public transport is not available. The Minister of State will be just as inundated as I am by the number of people contacting us looking for representations to get their driving tests much faster than the predicted date. I concur with everything my colleague Deputy Ahern said in his speech. A man in Mallow has been waiting for nine months for a driving test and that is only an estimation of the date as opposed to actually getting a test. If someone gets a test date, there is no guarantee that the test will actually be fulfilled on that date. That is the issue we are having with driving tests across the country.”
“This family does not want sympathy or empathy; they want a firm commitment. However, that cannot be provided to them. When they make contact with me, they should be given the commitment. However, I cannot because I do not see a genuine commitment from the Government.”
“I grew up with them and their sons, one of whom has a disability and needs access to residential placement. The place he is in for day services is something he and his family have fallen in love with. This gives great comfort to his family and his parents in particular. However, they cannot get a commitment as to whether or not he will have a residential placement should, God forbid, anything happen to either of them. They continue to fight long and hard for residential commitment or placement for him but to no avail. This is not the Ireland we want, and I know the Minister of State would agree with me on that. Having tried so hard to even get a meeting with senior management in the disability team of the HSE, they came out of that meeting two weeks ago with still no guarantee as to what will happen to their son.”
“I appreciate that. As regards the 2021 disability capacity review to which the Minister of State referred and the projected need for a minimum of 1,900 residential placements by 2032, which we want to get to, and if we continue in the same vein of the previous four years, which is not mentioned in the response, with 140 placements opening each year, give or take, there will be 400 fewer than the figure. The same disability capacity review asked for an extra 3,900 placements needed to return to pre-2008 levels. This is shocking. For someone new to this House, it seems we are going backwards. This is political will, or the lack thereof. It is not the same for many families and their sons or daughters. One family has been in contact with me. I have known this family all my life.”
“No placement across this State should be closed until another one is opened. That is my firm belief. We must also recognise services like the Brothers of Charity in my constituency of Cork North-Central that have done such wonderful work in many areas of my home county. I have an uncle who has been working in the Brothers of Charity, Lota More, for more than 20 years. I have seen at first hand the care and commitment to the development of these adults with disabilities, which must be recognised.”
“I welcome the fact that in four years there has been an increase in 559 residential placements. However, as I said, this is simply not good enough or quick enough. Residential capacity will decrease during the year as a result of the loss of places in congregated settings due to debts which cannot be reutilised. I understand that this is in line with Government policy, which is to move away from institutionalised settings. While I agree with Government policy in this regard, with the closing of placements, this will only place more pressure on the HSE and not-for-profit organisations to try to relocate placements for those on waiting lists. Along with this, in addition to the issue, the in-year capacity levels will be impacted negatively as a result of regulatory requirements.”
“As a result, it once again falls to the Minister of State's Department and the Government to decide whether these services for these families and adults will be provided. In budget 2025, €106.6 million was allocated towards residential places. However, only €27.9 million of that remains because of the €78 million needed to meet the incremental costs from 2024. I accept that increases in age and life expectancy and the changing needs of people with a disability have led to the need for increased residential facilities. Does the Minister of State agree, however, that we are not doing enough at a quick enough pace to meet the demand? It comes back to political will. There is no will to commit to funding residential placements at a far higher figure than the current ones.”
“Why is the word "consider" used in this part of the programme for Government, considering, ironically, the level of need within both our service and our system? Will she clarify if the Government is still considering the development of the multi-annual funding approach or can she provide a guarantee to me and families right across the country right now that this Government will commit to an multi-annual funding approach? In Cork and Kerry, there are 600 people waiting for residential placements. The answer to a parliamentary question that I received from the HSE stated that many of those 600 will benefit should the Government allocate multi-annual funding to HSE south west to address the deficit in the quantum of residential places. To me, that basically means the HSE is waiting for the money.”
“As regards the Minister of State who has just left the House, Kieran O'Donnell, it would be remiss of me when speaking on an issue like this not to commend his father, Martin, one of the founding members of St. Joseph's Foundation, and his commitment to disability services in north Cork. This morning I raise a serious issue regarding residential placements for adults with disabilities. I want to speak specifically about the Cork and Kerry region. The programme for Government states: After reviewing the recent two-year healthcare funding agreement, we will consider the development of a multi-annual approach for disability services, which will be linked to productivity, staff levels and the delivery of services. While I appreciate that it might not be in her script, may I ask the Minister of State about the approach being considered?”
“However, if the Government is going to rely on private developers to build homes, it must meet them halfway and put in the necessary infrastructure. I implore the Minister of State to work with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to build the Mallow relief road.”
“He told me that in over 70% of developments, Irish Water is the issue with progress. He has been awaiting a response to a question for over eight months. This shows a complete lack of accountability. There is a large residential development on Station Road in Blarney. I invite the Minister of State to visit the road itself. He will see the narrow road. The entrance to that development will be on that narrow stretch of road. Having met with a number of residents in the area, they also pointed out that they are not against housing. They are against the lack of public infrastructure. They have serious concerns about roads, drainage issues and village community infrastructure. I welcome housing developments and the building of homes. Every second person who contacts me mentions private rental and social housing.”
“We have housing developments taking place in a number of areas, including Castle Park, St. Joseph's Road, Spa Glen and Kennel Hill. All of those projects need the Mallow relief road to be delivered. I agree with those in this House who say that sustainable means of transport must be an option. However, in rural parts of Ireland, we are unlucky in that a car is still a necessity. Although we have fantastic rail lines and we have bus services, the car is still essential. That is what is most important. I invite the Minister of State to come to Mallow and stand on the main street with me. He will then see the traffic congestion crisis that is not allowing houses to be built. That brings me to water infrastructure. I had a very constructive meeting with a private developer in Mallow yesterday.”
“Residents in the area have made it quite clear that they are not against the housing development, but they cannot accept that level of development because of the inadequate public infrastructure. Therefore, an appeal is to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála to stop this development of 469 houses. That brings me to the main focus of my contribution. We need the Government to build the Mallow relief road. Over the past three years, just over €1 million has been sanctioned for that project, despite Cork County Council requesting far more. In response to the number of parliamentary questions I have asked regarding this project since my election to the Dáil, the answers continue to remain piecemeal and lack any commitment to a timeframe in getting shovels in the ground.”
“However, because of the lack of public infrastructure, the building of homes is happening with inadequate resources to deal with the level of cars and pedestrians. This is not an attack on private developers. It is important that they play a role in the delivery of housing. However, if we are going to leave the building of homes to private developers, that work needs to be matched by the Department by way of the provision of good infrastructure. In Mallow, we have a number of developments either taking place or for which planning permission is being granted. In the area where I live, Castle Park, planning permission for a large residential development of 469 houses has been sanctioned, alongside the existing 500 homes.”
“I thank Sinn Féin for this extremely important motion. In the majority of towns and cities across the country, there are very serious difficulties with public infrastructure and this is having a knock-on effect on the development of housing. The provision of housing is by far the greatest issue of our time and of our generation as politicians. I am a 25-year-old still living at home, like an enormous number of people my age. Approximately 70% of us are locked at home, unable to privately rent or to afford a house. That is simply not good enough. I want to raise a specific issue in my constituency of Cork North-Central. In my home town of Mallow, we need substantial economic, social and housing growth.”
“The services and courses they provide are a vital facet in ensuring that those furthest from mainstream education have the opportunity to upskill and contribute to our economy. Further and higher education is indeed an economic enabler for our economy. It must be accessible, affordable and a right for any person who desires it for it to be an economic enabler for them. It cannot be an enabler unless the social and economic barriers to further and higher education that are in place are removed.”
“They then face the same housing and cost-of-living barriers as domestic students. Also in this regard, we must extend the duration of visas for international students for the length of their course programmes rather than obliging them to renew those visas annually. The requirement to do so puts students under unnecessary pressure. It also means more administrative work for college admissions staff. It is pure common sense. If a course is going to last four or five years, a student must be given a visa that will last for that period rather than one that has to be renewed each year. One person who contacted me stated that he was only given a visa for eight months even though he has another two years to go on his apprenticeship. I commend the contribution of Youth Work Ireland and youth groups across the country.”
“I welcome the fact that the SUSI grant system is made available to more people each year. We need to continue progress in that regard. The Minister will agree with me on that. The system needs significant reform to reflect the lived reality of students by recognising estranged students, those in international protection and part-time students. When we look at international students in further and higher education, we can see the significant contribution they make to our economy and society. Universities across Ireland are conducting vital research through the hard work and dedication of international students, yet those students face barriers. Registration fees for international students must be looked at in view of the fact that they already have to pay considerable amounts to get places in our universities.”
“I see this when someone who is more than likely living in council accommodation contacts my office because they are looking for a plumber or carpenter to come to their home. They often have to wait weeks for the work to be completed because local authorities simply do not have the workers. Community-based vocational education, training and adult education courses are vital parts of our education system for securing a well-skilled workforce and providing new opportunities for people when other routes are not accessible or appropriate. The further education and training sector provides valuable and distinctive pathways for school leavers, workers seeking to upskill, lifelong learners, those marginalised and looking to re-engage in education and local employers, community groups and schemes.”
“The core principle of a minimum wage is that no one can be paid less than the rate. That should be the case. How can an apprentice run a car, pay rent and bills or have any disposable income when he or she is being paid below minimum wage? All these factors contribute to adults living with their parents well into their 30s. Their contribution to their local economies and personal prosperity is significantly hampered as a result. These are the reasons so many look to other avenues, particularly overseas. Apprenticeships in the public sector must be varied and diverse. If the State and local authorities are not a driver behind this, then we are once again passing the buck to a private sector that has no obligations in the context of either wider society or creating a diverse workforce.”
“It is often stated that third level education is not everything, that we should not get so obsessed about it and that we should get rid of some of the stigmas attached to other forms of further and higher education. I agree wholeheartedly, but if the Minister speaks to any apprentice across the country, he will find that going down this route to qualification is not free of its own economic barriers. Scrapping the fees would certainly be welcome, as would ensuring that apprentices have a living wage, because we need to keep people in apprenticeships and in the sector. For a start, it is my belief that a minimum wage should not be undercut by anything. Under-18s who are legally eligible to work should be at least paid the minimum wage. An apprentice learning his or her trade should be paid at least the minimum wage.”
“Many of these necessary education-related elements are available for free or at least at a cost that is much more affordable across Europe. This should be our goal for the sector here too. We heard many statements last week celebrating the prosperity that European Union membership has brought Ireland. I suggest that when it comes to further and higher education, we need much more alignment with how those sectors are being run by our EU neighbours in order that we might continue to grow prosperity here. If we compare ourselves with Finland, where third level education tuition is free and the average age that young adults move out of the family home is 21, we can see that we have a hell of a long way to go.”
“When it comes to student housing, funding for the technological university sector needs to be unlocked. This sector needs to be allowed to borrow money to either purchase or arrange for the construction of purpose-built student accommodation. It is important that the types of housing available in our university cities, including my city of Cork, are diverse. Students need to live within a reasonable distance of their third level institutions. It is a failure of housing planning if students are competing in the rental market with couples, families and single people who work in our cities and towns. This is the reality in Ireland. Everyone is competing in the same rental market, with piecemeal options for students.”
“I refer here not only to registration costs or course fees but also to living costs in a country where everything is becoming more expensive. National school and secondary school are supposed to be free to all children. However, parents are paying significant amounts for school materials, uniforms and trips and on voluntary contributions. These costs put unnecessary economic barriers in the way of many students and their families. The costs only increase as students progress through their education and move towards obtaining qualifications. College fees constitute another barrier. College accommodation and remuneration obtained on foot of part-time work and from apprenticeships are also barriers. These are all economic barriers that people have to overcome in order to access the great leveller.”