Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Practically every commentator on the Irish success story has referred to the education system as its main basis. Investment in education in the past 30 or 40 years has been responsible to a large extent for our success. The news today of a report from the Department of Education and Science which suggests that a third of primary school teachers leave college without sufficient ability is frightening. We should draw attention to this, the country should be in uproar over such a possibility.

According to another report in today's newspapers, driving instructors are unregulated and a scheme is to be introduced to ensure instructors who have permission to teach motorists to drive will be regulated in future. I hope this idea does not fall by the wayside, it is essential we put in place a scheme as soon as possible.

On Saturday a major rugby match is taking place in Croke Park. I call on all political parties to ask their members to recognise this is an occasion of pride in Ireland that should not be used for any other function. I was in the lower west stand in Lansdowne Road some years ago at a football match between Ireland and England. Some of the visiting supporters behaved in a most dangerous and opportunistic way. I was frightened, particularly as my teenage son was with me. We saw what happened last year at the Love Ulster march in Dublin, where some people took it as an opportunity just to cause trouble. I urge everyone in Ireland to say this is an occasion of which we should be proud and we should stand behind those setting the example.