Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

Members have good reasons for talking up the economy, both in recent years and this year.

There is talk in the United States of recession, which is defined as being two quarters of negative growth. This year, Ireland will achieve rates of growth of which the United States would be highly jealous. One must acknowledge this point. There is cause for concern and some people from my constituency, especially those connected to the construction industry, will lose their jobs. However, the country is not going down the Swanee but is progressing extremely well. People are highly educated and highly qualified.

I follow developments in the United States with great interest and one of its features is the large number of the working poor. While this phenomenon also exists in Ireland, the minimum wage here is much higher and it offers far greater opportunities for educational advancement. This is the key to lifting people out of poverty and thereby growing the economy. People in Ireland have good opportunities to receive education. Ireland has free third level fees and low costs associated with education when compared with the United States and other countries. Any major employer that enters the country will consider this to be an enormous bonus.

Some third level courses operate in my constituency and in County Meath. In general, they are connected to various universities and third level institutions. However, County Meath is fortunate in that Dundalk Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown, Institute of Technology, Tallaght, as well as the Dublin universities of DCU, Trinity and UCD are within reachable commuting distance. Consequently it is a good location if one wants an education. At present, County Meath does not possess a university. While a university was proposed for the County Meath side of Drogheda before the establishment of Trinity College, that was too far in the past. Nevertheless, ample opportunities for education exist. I refer to those in the construction industry who may have lost out temporarily. They should consider training, getting the leaving certificate and other qualifications. It is important to bear in mind that matters are looking up.

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