Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome both ambassadors. I am old enough to remember the introduction of free education in this country. That was the one single change that transformed Ireland. The ambassador spoke about smallholdings and large families trying to make a living from an impossible situation. Free education in Ireland allowed the children of those families to move on and get involved in other activities and professions which reduced the dependence on the smallholding. It is only just over 50 years since we introduced free education but it was the single biggest action that brought us forward. Are there any indications in either country that Kenya or Ethiopia is considering a similar move? It may sound expensive but in the long term it is very cheap. Based on my practical experience and my years in politics, no matter who is in government I stress that once the people are educated they will progress very rapidly. In the late 1950s and early 1960s Ireland was a very poor country. It has changed in the space of 50 years and I put that down to free education.

Has any consideration been given in either country to taking that step? It is a big step, certainly, but one I believe to be very much worth taking.