Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

It is all very well to say that industry has a responsibility, but the Deputy is Minister for Education and Science and the ultimate responsibility for what happens in schools lies at her door. I would welcome more industry involvement in the provision of equipment, but until it wakes up and decides to do that, we must ensure that students are getting the ICT facilities they need in the classroom.

Will the Minister reconsider the idea of having ICT as a distinctive subject? If we are to build a knowledge economy, it is vital that students have the necessary skills. Has the Minister had any discussions with industry about getting more involved in this area? She should bear in mind that it is the country, not just industry, which benefits from industry being successful. We have a changing economy which must be knowledge-led and driven. If this is to happen, it must start in schools and responsibility for it lies not with industry but with the Minister.

See this speech in context