Ireland ranks among highest for inter-generational educational disadvantage

Ireland ranks among the highest in the world for inter-generational educational disadvantage, international research shows.

While around 18% of those aged 25-44 who had not completed second-level in 2012, the figure is just over 30% among those whose parents did not reach Leaving Certificate themselves. In the EU, the only countries with higher non-completion rates for those with parents of similar education levels are Italy, Spain, England, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, and Greece.

An OECD report stresses the need for access to quality education to be assured, in order to facilitate social inclusion and mobility, and to improve socio-economic outcomes now and for future generations.