Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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As a member of Fine Gael, I wish to ask a few questions. The key message from many of those who addressed the committee was the future of the Northern Ireland economy. The biggest disadvantage it faces is the fact that a significant number of graduates leave Northern Ireland to work elsewhere. I understand that Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of early school-leavers in Britain and Northern Ireland. There is a significant deficit as many people who do not have a third-level education stay in Northern Ireland, while those who do have such qualifications leave. Another issue that was strongly raised is that of infrastructure deficit, particularly as one goes across the North to counties Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Tyrone and so on. If we can address those issues, we can make a much happier community that is more satisfied in terms of employment, has a higher standard of living and, I hope, much more unity of purpose.