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

We need to put it in that context. It might be blasphemous to say so, but I would encourage every school leaver to leave this country for at least two years at some stage. That might not be deemed to be politically correct. Those who are going to come back will come back with far better life skills, experiences and open-mindedness. There is a contrast between the global world of today and the world that people were living in when they were emigrating many years ago. When I was growing up, Ireland was a white, Roman Catholic country. It was essentially run by the bishops, who always used to throw in the ball at GAA matches. Certain powerful organisations were running the political establishment. That was the society in which I grew up. Everyone will be familiar with the Archbishop McQuaid-type scenario.