Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleague, Senator Ó Céidigh, for organising this event. I also thank the members of the panel. It is right and proper that they are here. Small to medium enterprises are the lifeblood of the economy and we should be proud of them. It is right that the construction sector is at the central of political decision-making and that we are listening to its representatives.

What are the key words in this discussion? We heard about potential global players, opportunities, innovation, collaboration, capital and access to funding. I liked the emphasis Ms O'Toole placed on diversity because it is a valid and strong point. When we talk about diversity, perhaps sometimes we view it in its narrower sense. What do we need to address to encourage the culture of enterprise and innovation in our people? I refer in particular to the formation of a culture of enterprise and innovation in education through thinking about enterprise and the need for implementation in the educational system. How do we encourage people to be successful in business?

It is interesting that some of the successful role models in business have very limited education. However, they had a hunger in their belly to succeed and they are the top people in most of our businesses. I am interested in that difference. In respect of education, what positive steps can we take to increase people's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship? I congratulate our guests on their excellent presentations.