Do we all have a right to go as far with our education as we are able? If so, who will pay for those from disadvantaged areas to attend higher education?
Globally, educational inequalities are even more striking, with 750 million adults (two thirds of whom are women) unable to read or write due to poor access to basic education. We will return to this later.
Health inequality
In Ireland, people are entitled to health care in our hospitals. Some on lower incomes or with lifelong illnesses get a medical card for free or cheaper medicines. Some people choose to pay for health insurance so they can access care more quickly. Does this show that everyone in Ireland has equal access to basic health care? Should everyone or no one be entitled to a medical card? Is it acceptable that some people can pay to be treated more quickly?
Life expectancy (how long you can expect to live) can differ hugely based on your access to good health care. Worldwide, there is an ongoing debate over what level of health care should be available to everyone, regardless of their income, and who should pay for it.
THIS TOPIC AND YOU
Can you find any statistics, data or real-life stories from Ireland or around the world to show that unequal access to health care can shorten or even threaten life? Briefly present your findings to the class.
