Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

That is not a huge amount and the fee for the year in the institute of technology is alarming for this person because she would not have a chance of paying it.

What is interesting also about the Bill is the fact that it makes us think of how far we have all come historically. I was reading a book recently — I forget the name of it — which referred to the fact that coloureds and Irish were told they need not apply in rooming houses and places of employment at the turn of the last century in the United States. Those people could not get employment because they were Irish and the Irish were considered feckless. That has all changed.

I applaud the Minister's vision in this legislation. It fits in with what I see as his social responsibility on which he was always very strong. It also fits in with our economic needs. The Minister has married the two successfully. He has allowed for economic growth in certain areas where it is highly necessary, in which we have lacunae that we cannot fill ourselves. The Minister has also allowed for our European policy of opening up the country to people from the accession states. We were one of only two countries which did so. The naysayers were full of doom and gloom, stating we would be overrun but that is not so. We are greatly enhanced by what has happened. This legislation will enhance it further.