Professor John FitzGerald:

If one looks at the use of the EU structural funds, Ireland in 1993 – my wife was actually responsible for it as Minister of State – decided to spend 40% of the structural funds on education and training while Portugal went for 20%. The benefits can be seen today. We made the right decision to invest in education before the infrastructure. There are great bridges in Portugal.

They have great buildings but their education system has not improved and the difference can be seen.