Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last weekend was a signal moment in the sense that Ireland was recognised as one of the leading global centres of the digital technology world. For all those involved in the digital web summit in Dublin, it sent an international message of absolute excellence. Many of the people I met from all over the world would belie the argument made by the Deputy about the quality of our young people and graduates, particularly their innovative capacity and entrepreneurial skills. Many of the people involved in smaller companies might see their work explode in terms of its global reach in the next few years.

I agree very much with the Deputy that this issue requires some considerable debate in the Oireachtas. Central command and control has always been with the Department of Education and Skills, although the various third level colleges, universities and institutes of technology raise very considerable sums outside the remit of the State. We can consider what is happening in universities across the country, by way of expansion in the areas of science and engineering, as well as relationships formed in various parts of the world, including the Far East, the Middle East, the United States, etc., which means that there are very encouraging signs. It is true that we must get our act together for colleges of technology in terms of technicians. It is important that we supply engineers from our universities and that there be a relationship between the world of academia and the commercial sphere. There are massive online open courses, or MOOCs, which will change the way education is structured in the next decade. Lecturers will not be in the position they have been in up to now and will have to become much more observant mentors of students because of the vast quantity of information available for students of any subject. The relationship will change.

When I speak to people in companies investing in Ireland or when Enterprise Ireland is dealing with young companies exporting services, we can see how they are blown away by the capacity of our young entrepreneurs to measure up. No matter how hight the bar is set, young Irish people can meet the challenge. It is very important that we understand the fundamental importance of having quality engineers coming from our universities and technicians from the institutes of technology. We must move on to get the best from all of them.

Considerable amounts are raised outside the State in terms of support for third level colleges. The basis of the Deputy's case merits discussion because it is all about jobs and opportunities for the future and I share strongly that sentiment.

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