Cyprian Brady (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As a small open economy, we are open to international changes, especially in the globalised environment in which we now find ourselves. We must ensure we are flexible and tough. Although this crisis is having a difficult effect on jobs, on business and on the budgetary system, one good thing may come of it. Even when we suffer because of issues outside our control, because we have invested in education and training in recent years, we will cope and will emerge a stronger and more resilient economy. Over the past ten to 15 years we invested significantly in training, education, and as the Deputy pointed out, the former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, played a considerable role in improving our education system in this country.

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