Maurice Hayes (Independent)

It is an appalling waste of money and most reports end up in the waste paper basket. I do not know why they cannot publish them on the Internet and advertise that fact. That would save a lot of money.

I also support the call for a debate on higher education. The additional money for that sector, which is to be welcomed, should be used strategically to ensure that Irish universities can compete on the world stage. I thank the Minister for Finance for including in the budget a little-noticed change which allows charitable people to contribute in the form of shares as well as money. This could have great potential for bringing funds into Irish universities.