Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wanted to raise the issue of skills shortages, but I think Mr. Cotter has responded on that. This used to be an issue, but an attempt has been made to address it. Changes have been introduced and we are producing more graduates. There has been a question with regard to the issue of languages. This has been identified by the expert group on future skills needed in this country as an area we need to promote. Language skills are a difficulty here and we have a shortage of those who are fluent in foreign languages. Mr. Cotter made the point that graduates should be encouraged to work in other countries and immerse themselves in the languages there.