Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

What we are trying to do here is provide for a high level of outcome across the third level sector and in further education in particular at a time when we have limited resources. As the system expands in coming years, which it will because the numbers entering third level are thankfully increasing, it is important that we maintain the focus on high quality outcomes. That will require some difficult decisions and the need for innovative and lateral thinking also. I assure the Deputy that this Government is more than capable of engaging in that kind of thinking but at all times we must focus on equity of access and the quality of outcomes.

I was in Singapore and Malaysia recently attempting to sell - it was not difficult - Irish higher education abroad, particularly in south east Asia.

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