Liam Fitzgerald (Fianna Fail)

Senator Quinn made reference to Mr. Dorgan of the IDA. Does the Leader agree that the Department has responded in great detail by way of consideration of the report referred to by the Senator? In a sense it might have welcomed Mr. Dorgan's remarks. There is an acknowledgement in the Department that some cages need to be rattled, including some professional bodies, when it comes to the participation of students in the sciences. I am sure the Leader will agree there is a realisation within the Department and by the Minister that there needs to be far greater involvement throughout the community. There is little room for an elitist approach. While every encouragement should be given to the achievement of excellence, unfortunately in certain quarters such an attitude is all too evident. There also has to be connectivity at every level from primary upwards. Structures are being considered to ensure there is meaningful participation in the sciences in the entire educational sector.