Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am fascinated by the statistics that Mr. Cosgrave has given us about the levels of education, that Ireland is joint first in achieving third level education. Ireland's level probably stands at 80%, which is very high, and we should all applaud the successive governments that created this environment.

Having said that, and having listened to Mr. Cosgrave's contribution, which I may not have fully understood, why, with such a highly-educated workforce, do we have such a high level of unemployment? If the old slogan, whether Marxist or Leninist, of "educate to be free" is still valid, how does he recommend we look at those who have not attained, in other words, the 20% who have not attained the high levels of third level education? Do we have a mixed bag there and do we need different policies?

I will conclude by asking Mr. Cosgrave to expand on the question of EU and Exchequer funding being specifically targeted in an evidence-based formula. What exactly does that mean?