Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Something that impressed me with the setting up of the TUs was the calibre of the people who are willing to serve. I say this genuinely: the three witnesses come from very highly regarded career backgrounds. Many other people in the private sector would love to have them as chair of their boards, but in fairness to them, they have seen the positives and the road ahead for TUs and what they can achieve.

Do they believe there is enough liaison between primary, post-primary and higher level educators? At one point, people went to primary school and then secondary school and either they went to college or they did not go to college. In recent years, there may have been too much emphasis on people having to go to college. The perception is that apprenticeships are not good enough. I commend the Minister, Deputy Harris, on including apprenticeships in the CAO system and having a university qualification. He is putting apprenticeships up in lights. I hope the Department and the Minister will follow through on that. It is easy to talk, but we must put the building blocks in place. Do the witnesses believe more collaboration is required between primary, secondary and third level?

Last week, we published our report on reform of the leaving certificate. One of the issues related to school libraries. The Library Association of Ireland came to us about this issue. It makes sense that there should be good libraries in every secondary school. Students in secondary school will know then what is facing them in third level and how to get the best use from the school library. What are the views of the witnesses in that regard?

Ms Feehily comes from Revenue and she is now involved in education as chair of a TU. Mr. Deenihan is a former Minister and a Deputy for many years. Dr. Prendergast is a former provost of Trinity College. They have many years of experience. I would be interested in their views. I will call Ms Feehily first. Ladies first.