Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In this country the statistic is 70% with degrees. We are looking at it through the wrong end of the telescope. In Germany the statistic is 50% with degrees and it has a huge skills sector based on the guild system that has been in place for centuries. We must adopt a twin track approach to the issue of skills. As was said here previously, an apprentice - there will be 20 new apprenticeships - can move into the system and achieve a doctorate. It is not necessary to start everybody with a degree. The Minister understands this. That is the reason this should be considered a discrete sector within the education system.