Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If I might make an observation as a new first-term Deputy, I believe all the Departments work in silos. All Departments are fighting their own corner and there is no overarching examination of how the Government works. If one examines those countries that have some of the best education systems, such as Finland, they prioritise education. It is a joint decision by the Government, everyone works towards that goal and it pays long-term dividends, whereas I believe we have five-year cycles in Ireland where everyone in government is just looking after his or her own little corner and there is no long-term vision.