Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak in this important debate. We must recognise that we have to change from the way we were to the way we will be in terms of standards and levels. We have to raise our game in order to compete with the best, not just nationally but internationally. On the international market, those people coming from a different place with a different background are competing already and up and running in that business. In a previous incarnation, I had the opportunity of interacting with graduates of polytechnics in eastern Europe and I was amazed at the level to which they had perfected their experience, knowledge and qualifications. That must continue. We must do it to a greater extent in this country.

I compliment the Ministers on the work they are doing. Are they satisfied that we have in place sufficient structures to incorporate the best that we require in the areas of apprenticeships, academic qualifications, research, science or whatever it is? We must perfect everything. We must extend our knowledge and our competence beyond anything we had before if we are to compete successfully and effectively in the international market.

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