All-Ireland approach needed to tackle educational barriers and skills gaps – Delargy 

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has called for urgent action to remove barriers preventing students from studying across the island of Ireland.

He was speaking after tabling a motion in the Assembly on Monday on all-Ireland student mobility, which received cross-party support.

“Our students deserve every opportunity to access the course that best suits their ambitions,” said Mr Delargy.

“Right now, barriers — such as funding differences, application hurdles and a lack of information — are blocking students in the north from taking up places in the south, and vice versa. That is detrimental for our young people and for our economy.”

The Sinn Féin spokesperson for skills and enterprise highlighted that the skills gaps are the same across Ireland and that, by increasing collaboration, we can work to address these and offer our students the best opportunities.

“We have heard from many students in Donegal who find it easier to access a course in Galway or in Cork than in Derry. That is fundamentally flawed and drives people away from our region.”

He concluded:

“I am pleased to receive support across the Assembly with all parties recognising the restrictive impact these barriers have.

‘There are two immediate steps which can be taken to address this. 

“Firstly, the Education Minister should direct the careers service and schools to support students in making CAO applications. 

“Secondly, the southern government must act to align CAO & UCAS results dates and to augment choices and provide all of the options and opportunities for students.”