Feargal Quinn (Independent)

We know we have a problem that needs to be addressed. That particular remark got to me and is symptomatic of the problems we face at present. The Government can call in the OECD and ask for its advice on what needs to be done to create a world class research driven university sector. However, it should not be surprised if the response from the OECD calls its bluff. I look forward to hearing from the Government when the OECD focuses on the real problem, which is that the Government is starving the university sector of the resources it needs to go on doing the excellent job it has been doing for many years. Part of the problem is that we wear two hats. The IDA goes out proclaiming the marvellous university and third level educational background of our young people in marketing Ireland as a location for investment. Yet, we are starving education, and not only the universities, of resources. This is in the hands of the Minister and I would love to see him committing himself to doing something about the problem.