Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That information would be helpful. I believe that third level should work with second level by investing in career guidance. We know there is a pull on funding in that area but there is quite a strong argument to support the idea that the function of second level is to serve third level. What has third level education given back to second level students and their families to ensure they make better choices early? Such an initiative would help families, particularly the ones who are at the pin of their collar, a fact acknowledged by Mr. Hannigan. The initiative would help the State as well as the student's experience. We must not forget the impact it would have on a student.

I have a question on the quality of lecturers, a matter on which I am sure all the delegations will have something to say. I was a lecturer in a third level institution for a period. As I see it, a lecturer plays a role in teaching and research and connects town with gown. Some lecturers are brilliant at one area but not so good in another, and rarely one can find a lecturer who combines all three roles well. Should the technological universities Bill have a requirement that lecturers can combine all three roles? Should we have a minimum requirement? We want and need elite institutions. We also want a quality third level education system. Do the delegations agree that a lecturer should have a combination of all three skills?