Investment in education and training has delivered great progress to Ireland in the past and will be central to building a positive future. Even at a time of great fiscal pressure there are choices that can be made in allocating funds and there are many initiatives that require few if any resources. Education cannot escape untouched, but it can and should be given a priority. The Government has many welcome education proposals in its programme, as well as many areas that remain unformed. We will support the Minister in many of his intended initiatives but we will also strongly oppose him where we disagree. I commend the motion to the House.

See this item in context