Dr. Ciarán Mac an Bhaird:

That is my own opinion, but I know Mr. O'Sullivan does not agree.

Senator Moran asked what the committee can do to help. It is very hard to answer that question. The question of what level of funding we would require has been raised before. The main issue from our point of view is the underfunding of third level institutions in Ireland. When we go to our institution seeking an additional tutor or an additional hour of support per week the response we get from the institution is that it cannot provide it because it is operating within a fixed budget which must be shared out in a particular way. Increased funding for institutions would, I hope, result in more funding for maths supports. It would then be up to each network and so on to argue its case. Another issue is that of head count. In other words, the number of people that can be employed and the constant watch in that regard. I do not know how that can be solved. They are the issues about which we are hearing from our bosses.