Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his questions. The point he made about boards is interesting. We must be honest about this. People who serve on boards are undertaking public service and it is often hard to attract good people to these posts. That is no reflection on the people serving now. Fewer people are putting up their hands these days to serve on boards and those of us involved in politics must reflect on this issue.

I agree with the Deputy's point regarding the potential of the technological universities to transform regions. The idea is prevalent that all roads must lead to Dublin or other massive centres of population. We can change that notion. This will not only have an educational benefit but will also have broader planning, housing and societal benefits.

Turning to partnerships with industry, this aspect is one of the reasons the Taoiseach decided to establish this Department. It is intended to be an education Department, but also one which will interact with the areas of research, innovation and science. In the short time available, I point out that the regional skills forums are how we want to engage in this regard. Every region now has a regional skills forum in which the education partners and representatives from industry meet to decide what needs to be done for that region. Ireland is doing well in attracting foreign direct investment. We are not doing nearly as well in attracting the research and innovation functions of those companies and that is next big challenge for our economic well-being.