Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I wish to share time with Senator Brian Hayes, Maurice Hayes and Daly. The points made by Senator MacSharry concerning his region and the job losses in County Meath are closely related to the point made in the most recent budget about developing co-operation between third level institutions. It is crucial for future competitiveness that this sector is able to develop research and development at doctoral level. The Fottrell report's proposals on third level education must be implemented. I ask the Minister of State to note this and ensure the institutes of technology are given a central role in this regard. I will develop my argument on this issue on another occasion.

On the medical issue, what is the position with regard to a solid proposal made by the University of Limerick to increase intake to the colleges next year? I hope university or third level politics are not the reason it appears to have been pooh-poohed.

The Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children gave a commitment, when launching the Fottrell report, to make improvements in the area of oversight of medical education, intake and co-ordination. Ensuring improved governance and accountability by the joint delivery of medical education across both the education and health settings requires that an oversight body be established immediately. When deciding on the intake into medical schools we must recognise that a significant number of women doctors, in particular, practise for fewer than seven years. We should therefore allow a higher level of entry to compensate.