Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their positive contributions. They have referred to the main areas of concern, including competitiveness, the need to ensure adequate infrastructure and the importance of education and training. I have responsibilities as Minister of State in both the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Education and Science in respect of research and development and innovation. It is vital that we translate ideas into action in terms of job creation. My remit also covers the area of lifelong guidance which strives to ensure there is guidance not only for students but for workers who wish to move from one career to another. An important aspect of this will be a facility to provide employees with guidance on how to upskill within their current jobs.

I have taken note of the points made by Members and will convey them to the Ministers in both Departments. We wish to ensure the wisdom of all Members is taken into account in the formulation of policy in the years ahead.