Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confess that I have learned a lot while preparing for our scrutiny of this Bill. I greatly appreciate the briefing documents, opening statements, presentations and I have also read documentation from law firms that have put out a view on this matter. I find myself very excited about the employment potential and seismic shift in our nation to develop so that a whole new industry opens up, and one that was never envisaged before.

I have had to move between meetings but I watched this debate on the monitor in my office. Most of my questions have been answered and I apologise in advance if my next question on competencies in professional pathways has already been addressed. Is there a pipeline of professionals available so we have a successful marine industry? Have the Departments engaged with universities and colleges? Is there a sufficient number of courses? Are courses wide enough? Should we have a chat with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science about this industry? What courses do we need to develop? It is only in the last two years that I have noticed that the children of my peers are studying marine biology with a view to a very definite future in Ireland and not having to travel to Fiji or somewhere like that to develop this work. Therefore, I am curious about education and professions.

Senator Boyhan addressed my concern about competencies and whether we need additional personnel in local authorities. The witnesses have addressed the matter but perhaps they have something further to say. My query is about education.