A Clare TD insists the privatisation of the higher education system is locking those from low-income families out of opportunities.

Shannon Sinn Féin Deputy Donna McGettigan is calling on the Government to address the funding deficit in the education sector which she says is leading to private companies stepping in.

It's also claimed the lack of funding in higher education means many students are forced to rely on grants and schemes like SUSI.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy McGettigan, who's also her party's spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, says action must be taken.