Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the speakers. Most people are aware that there are two parts to the debate. The first is to make the case to the Government and the public that a lot of money is needed. This is separate from where the money is found. Professor O'Donnell, in an excellent speech, referred to public education. We all believe in public education. The question is how the public pays for it.

The Government has not accepted that there is a financial crisis. It has not accepted the Cassells report. We have tried to press the case. We have forced the Government to give a few extra quid in the budget that might make some impact. The case must be made and the committee has a solemn duty to make the case.

The witnesses have come here and set it out in dreadful terms. This is what we are putting our students, workforce and society into. The witnesses have made an exceptionally strong case that the sector needs money. Everyone says they believe it needs money. However, each of the speakers, who are from a wide variety of areas, has set out how it affects him or her in his or her area. Dr. Hourigan is in Celtic studies.