12 March 2001

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Pledge by new head of Trinity College on access to university for disadvantaged students welcomed by councillor

Dublin City Sinn Fein Councillor Nicky Kehoe has welcomed the pledge by the new Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Professor John Hegarty, that students from disadvantaged backgrounds will get a better chance at accessing third-level education.

Cllr Kehoe, who represents Dublin's north inner city and Cabra areas, said:

``I would like to welcome the election of Professor Hearty as the Provost of TCD and particularly his pledge to ensure that students from disadvantaged areas get a real opportunity to go on to university and third-level education.''

Cllr Kehoe added:

``Six months ago, it was revealed that of the 14,000 students who graduated from the State's seven universities, only two per cent came from households headed by an unskilled or semi-skilled worker.

``There are generations of educational disadvantage to be overcome in some areas.  It is up to all the education agencies to play their part in giving all students the resources, support, access and opportunity to go on to third-level education and I welcome the commitment by the new Provost of TCD to people from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds.''  ENDS

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