Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Deputy Howlin is correct to state that the link between industrial development and prosperity in education is enormous. It will be even greater in the future. One cannot have too much education. I believe it was the former president of Harvard University who once said: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." There are a number of serious issues about the funding of higher education. I cannot remember the name of the university the Deputy and I visited in New York but it obtains $100 million per year in licensing from activities that are generated on the research side. If we can get it right, Irish universities have the capacity to make a considerable amount from the intellectual activity under way on their campuses. We are looking at best international practice in this area.

It is interesting that the Deputy should refer to a Ministry for higher education. As I was entering the Chamber, my press officer advised me that he had received a telephone call from a journalist speculating that higher education and training must be put together. That was the first time I ever heard that assertion. In my experience, breaking things up is not a good idea. If we want coherence in education, we should ensure that the system remains whole. That would be my strong advice. Even if it was felt that it might be desirable to establish such a Ministry, it would take years to put it into effect. I would not be in favour of breaking up the Department of Education and Science because we need coherence between the various levels in education. However, we need to ensure that there are appropriate resources for higher education in order that we can produce the intellectual brain power we need for our society and our economy as we go forward.

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