Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Ireland has moved from a manufacturing based economy to a knowledge based economy predominantly due to the skills level of the workforce. While I am in this House I will not disparage the quality and skills of the workforce. I am a Donegal man and I am in this House to represent the county to the best of my ability. I will not make remarks that could impinge on the potential of the county and its people. Senator Doherty made reference to my colleague Senator Keaveney. It is my understanding that the Northern Ireland Assembly is a power-sharing Executive. The burden of responsibility should, therefore, be shared in that institution.

Some 55,000 people are in the FÁS and Skillsnet programmes this year. This is to be welcomed. It is important that we provide opportunities for people to train and upskill for better employment. This debate was very good and many issues were raised, including worthwhile proposals by the Opposition. However, when the Minister of State came before the House he addressed many of these proposals. Perhaps the Opposition was not properly briefed on what is going on in this respect.