Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael)
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I have a range of questions so I might come in twice. Professor Nolan mentioned removing barriers to participation by always considering the needs of the population at large during his contribution. Gender is a very important part of that. Dr. Freeman spoke about disabilities and trying to get more people with disabilities to play a role. Ireland has one of the lowest rates of participation for people with disabilities in the European Union. It is only just more than 30% compared with the UK, France and Germany, which are all at the mid-fifties, at least. Is SFI working with groups such as Rehab and others - this question is also for IBEC - on looking at that sector, where there can be real participation from people who have lifelong disabilities but can play a key role in employment? When we are at the stage of almost 2.6 million people in the workforce, this is a group that can certainly be supported, if we reach out to them.

Professor Nolan talked about how, through a new programme it is hoped will be funded in two years' time, SFI will branch out to other areas. Will he expand on the type of areas he thinks it will be important to focus on in future?

For the benefit of Professor Gleeson, I am a former UL student, as is my wife, so I know it well. One of the amazing opportunities it gives is participation in the workforce while a student is an undergraduate and postgraduate. Where workplace opportunities are given to undergraduates, it is almost done for them. At postgraduate level, however, is it up to students to find the 12 weeks of employment assigned at UL or does the college have relationships with businesses to provide that employment? If it is up to the students, is there a challenge for them in finding that employment? I will come back with more questions for IBEC.