Mr. Michael Moriarty:

The historical perspective is very important. The ETB sector has returned to its roots in the 1930s and 1940s, bringing apprenticeships and skills training together. This is very significant in the reform and vast restructuring of the sector. Perhaps, in the 1960s and 1970s, many of us lost our way. In a rush to be respectable, many of our schools began to resemble all other second level schools. Now, there is a renewed focus on skills. Recently we met Fasttrack into Information Technology, FIT. Two years ago its representatives were telling members that there were 4,000 vacancies in the IT industry; now there are 6,000. People with moderate, middle level skills are needed and they can be provided through further education and training. My daughter works with a big international consultancy company, Deloitte, and it is uncanny that Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice said the same thing as a senior partner in the company. Deloitte is not interested in certification, MBAs or other masters degrees but will train people to give them the skills needed to function in the industry. It is uncanny that a major international company has exactly the same outlook and philosophy the Deputy has represented. He probably has friends in high places without realising it.