New Mayo TD's maiden Dàil speech calls for third level entry clarity for Leaving Cert students

New Mayo TD Alan Dillon has encouraged Leaving Cert students to consider careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector. 

In his maiden speech in Dàil Èireann today, he said it would not be unreasonable to assume a spike in applications to the CAO in these areas of study, which have played a key role in the fight against Covid-19. 

"I am hoping, therefore, that the Minister for Education Joe McHugh might provide some clarity on what Leaving Certificate students can expect and when detailed information will become available as part of their third level entry process," he stated.

The full transcript of the Fine Gael deputy's speech is as follows: "It is a true honour to speak in Dáil Éireann for the first time.

"From the outset I sincerely thank the people of Mayo for placing their trust in me as we navigate these unprecedented times in circumstances I could never have imagined. 

"I hope to serve my constituents with honour, integrity and humility. I assure the Mayo electorate I will continue the work of my predecessor, Enda Kenny, with the same ethos as he showed when he entered this Chamber on his first day as a Teachta Dála by serving the greatest number with the greatest good. 

"I have always said that what matters to Mayo matters to me. As a new Teachta Dála, I extend my thanks to the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas for the courtesy and professionalism they have shown me to date.

"I acknowledge the efforts that individuals and families in every community are making to combat Covid-19. Some have suffered privately following the loss of family members or friends and I express my heartfelt sympathies to those people.

"I commend the Education Minister, Joe McHugh, the departmental officials and in particular the teachers and students around the country. 

"They have all adapted incredibly quickly to their virtual working and educational environment. I regularly speak to local teachers and the topic of most importance is the leaving certificate on which we have received greater clarity in the past few weeks. 

"However, the concern relates to the next steps facing today's leaving certificate students, particularly those who wish to pursue higher education and what awaits them in September.

"This time of year usually represents a right of passage for young people finishing their second level education. I am hoping some level of normality can be brought to the next chapter for those choosing to enter higher education.

"As McHugh may be aware, on Tuesday the Connacht-Ulster alliance announced the appointment of a new executive project lead with the aim of progressing the technological university in the west and north west. 

"This is a progressive step forward for the region's higher education institutes, including the Mayo campus of the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology at Castlebar as well as Letterkenny Institute of Technology in the Minister's constituency.

"In addition, as a science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, ambassador, a qualified teacher and someone who has worked in the pharmaceutical and biopharma sector, I worked closely with many students to encourage them to consider careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector. 

"It would not be unreasonable to assume a spike in applications to the CAO in these areas of study, which have played a key role in the fight against Covid-19. 

"I am hoping, therefore, that the minister might provide some clarity on what leaving certificate students can expect and when detailed information will become available as part of their third level entry process."