Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate him on his appointment. It is my pleasure to formally support the motion proposed so eloquently and comprehensively by my colleague, Senator Healy-Eames, and seconded by my other colleague, Senator McFadden.

Regarding the debate on education, nobody can deny that investment in education has been fundamental to the economic success of this country in recent years. By way of a cautionary note in the debate, it will be a major error to proceed with cuts in the area of education in the future as part of any reconfiguration of national finances because our taking advantage of any future good economic winds is dependent on present day investment in education. Investment in education is not only socially desirable but economically fruitful and necessary to the State.