James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I join other Members in welcoming the Minister for Education and Science to the Seanad. In my dealings with him as Minister for the Environment and Local Government I found him a good listener. At times he had a change of mind and I hope he changes his mind in regard to his proposed cutbacks in education.

Our education system has been successful at producing well-qualified young people. Much of our prosperity over the last decade can be attributed to this skilled and educated workforce. What effect will the increase in registration fees have on our students? The cost of putting a child through third level education is huge. The cost of accommodation and living expenses since the withdrawal of fees has increased hugely and places a great burden on families, especially parents. All parents want their children, if they have the ability, to get well-paid jobs. However, the increase in fees just places another burden on them This burden is especially felt by families which have two or more children attending college. No student should have to leave college because of an undue financial burden. An investment in education will always be of benefit to the State and society.