Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am delighted that the Leader has agreed to hold a debate on the economy once every month. I have had the opportunity to visit Finland during almost every decade since the 1970s. I suggest that, in advance of our next debate, every Senator should read an article in today's The Irish Times written by a professor of education and lifelong learning in UCD. This very interesting article concerns the success of the Finnish economy. Finland was called the Nordic tiger but it encountered similar problems to Ireland's current economic difficulties. It came out of that difficult period, however, and is now experiencing significant success. Part of the reason for that success is Finland's continued investment in education.