Education
Quality And Choice
As a teacher I am passionate about education. Education is the key to removing inequality and disadvantage in our society. Access to third level education is deeply unequal. The recent report by UCD academic Prof Clancy laid bare the deep inequality that exists. For example, 77% of school leavers in Foxrock go on to 3rd level education, while only 14% of school leavers in Dublin 11 gain access to 3rd level. Positive action is necessary to increase the participation of students who are denied access to third-level education due to economic and social disadvantage.
In the Law School in Trinity College I initiated a scholarship scheme to increase the participation rate of working class students. That programme now applies across the college and is an intrinsic part of the Trinity Access Programme (TAP). It has achieved real results. I am determined to ensure that innovative programmes that tackle educational disadvantage are part of education policy at every level, primary, secondary and 3rd level.
Pictured: Ivana receives a Provost’s Teaching Award from Provost Professor John Hegarty, Trinity College, May 2006
