Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The new buzzword I came across that the Minister can use is "co-opetition", which is the new way of moving forward.

It was interesting to hear the statistics given by the Minister. I would be eager to find out more and work with the Minister on the further education statistics indicating that 3,000 students are going to the North. I was struck by that figure.

On the 4.5% flow, it would be interesting to get a breakdown of that. I assume that much of it is coming from the Border. The natural university for many secondary schools in Donegal is the University of Ulster, be it at Coleraine, Magee, Jordanstown or Belfast. I know Mr. Doherty wants to speak on this point also but it is important to acknowledge the role played by those colleges. Their doors were always open during the Troubles and other difficult periods, and they were a natural home for many students along the Border. The Minister might pass on our commendation to the colleges in gratitude for the excellent-quality training and education provided to students, be it in the IT sector, engineering or teaching in Coleraine. That is a huge resource base for our graduates.

We will be very interested to hear the conclusions of the report of Mr. John O'Dowd, MLA, because the three third level colleges raised the issue of the A level equivalency. The nub of the issue seemed to be the disparity between A levels and the leaving certificate. It will be interesting to hear the outcome of that report and no doubt this committee will be eager to present the findings. I call Mr. Doherty, who wants to ask a question.