Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I regard this as one of the most pressing issues for our future, not only in terms of enterprise and employment in this country but also in terms of education. I heartily welcome the notion of a science adviser to the Government. However, does the Tánaiste accept that consideration might be given to having, as is the case in Northern Ireland, a Minister for higher education who could focus exclusively on issues that go well beyond the education sphere? Subsequent to our visit to Canada, has she given consideration to how universities in that country develop intellectual resources, commercialise them on campus and use the existing infrastructure to support all aspects of that commercialisation? Is there a need for a fundamental partnership change in this country for that model to be replicated here? Does the Tánaiste believe that this could be realised under the education structure in place in Ireland?

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