Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I have cúpla focal a rá ar an mBille seo. I recognise and acknowledge the Minister's commitment since her appointment to the Department of Education and Science. This commitment was evident in the €1.2 billion allocated over a five-year period for investment in third level and fourth level education. If our highly qualified graduates are to be at the cutting edge of technology in the future, there must be adequate investment in education. I note with delight the Government's commitment in this regard.

We are all aware of the good reputation of National University of Ireland, Galway, in terms of the quality of its graduates, lecturers and facilities. However, section 3 of the University College Galway Act 1929 meant there was discrimination. I was amazed to learn of cases where highly qualified academics were barred from appointment to various positions in the university on the basis that they were not fluent in Irish. This would not stand up in today's thinking and, in this context, the Bill is to be welcomed. The president of the university has also expressed delight about it.

We must be able to participate and compete in the world of research and development. We are, however, still behind the United States and Japan in terms of our commitment in this regard and we have much to do to catch up. Important in this regard is the recognition of a fourth level in regard to research. This is vital for the functioning of our knowledge based economy. We have a vision for 2010 relating to globalisation and the Lisbon Agenda, and it is important that we have a level playing pitch with our European partners and that our third level institutions can recruit the best staff. The commitment to Government funding for this objective is vital.

This legislation means that National University of Ireland, Galway, will be facilitated in recruiting the best qualified staff while also being obliged to promote the Irish language. That is the balance sought through the removal of the discriminatory section of the 1929 Act and the inclusion of provisions relating to the delivery of education through Irish. In a knowledge based economy, we must promote and maintain competitiveness through the facilitation of high-quality research activity. We can only do this by having a level playing pitch for all. The scale of the Government's funding allocation indicates its commitment in this regard. I congratulate the Minister on taking this issue on board. It will be welcomed by all.