We need to have statements today on higher education, especially on the confusion regarding fees. Since the announcement, a lot of parents have told me that they are having discussions around their tables about whether their child will go to college and whether they can afford to send the child to college or not. That is not a discussion that families should have. Our children and young people want to educate themselves. We need to have statements in this House. I have been asking for statements on education regarding class sizes and capitation grants at primary level, but this relates to higher level.

Sentiment score: -0.03

Island funding is crucial for many of our islands but its distribution needs closer scrutiny. The Bere Island Projects Group, which covers Bere Island, Whiddy Island and Dursey Island, has three full-time staff and must manage office, utilities and running costs from a budget that saw only a 2.1% increase. This is insufficient for standard cost-of-living requirements, in comparison to smaller islands like Inishturk and Inishbofin which received much higher increases of 28.4% and 16.6%, respectively, despite Bere Island having approximately 100 more residents than Clare Island, which received a 23% increase. We do not begrudge these islands the extra funding they get, as all non-Gaeltacht islands face sustainability challenges. Bere Island simply asks for parity with other islands. Without adequate investment, Bere Island, Dursey Island and Whiddy Island face further depopulation and loss of culture and sustainable business and tourism projects. Will the Government reconsider the funding allocation to better support the Bere Island Projects Group and ensure parity with other islands?

Sentiment score: 0.21