John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their consideration of the Bill, which has given rise to a considered debate. It is always interesting to hear the range of direct experience — as students, teachers, board members, authority members and so on — that Members of both Houses have had. That experience has fed into the Bill, ensuring it gives the institutes of technology extra status, which not only concerns education but has also been backed up by considerable investment. Within a five year period, at least €8 billion will be spent on the higher education sector, which is an investment not just in students but also in the future of the country.

I must pay credit to the officials in my Department, including Mr. Gerry Murray and the legal officer, Mr. Dalton Tatton, who has given sterling service, but who unfortunately is leaving me for higher things. He certainly has put a great deal of work into this particular Bill. Go raibh maith agaibh.