Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

This has been a wide-ranging debate and it is quite evident that it has been informed by the experience and exposure of the contributors to the education system. This reflects the make-up of the Seanad, as we have often remarked on. It is inevitable that success will be measured against potential for the future, and education is no different. It is not something that stands still. We must always look to the future and reflect what is happening in any era.

The contributions throughout the debate kept returning to the issue of jobs. This is because of the economic difficulties we face. It is only right we should consider closely how our education system, as it now stands, suits the current needs of the country. We deal with issues organically here. The system is always moving, but it has served us well up to now. That was the point I made in my contribution and it was also made by a number of other speakers. Irrespective of the motion and the amendment, one message was coming across. We all want to see changes where necessary, and those changes will have to take into account the challenges we face at present.

It is worth remembering that the structure we have had for the past 20 or 30 years has served us exceptionally well. Those Senators who have served as teachers would agree that we have produced many fine leaders. Senator Buttimer made the very same point I made in my contribution. If we consider the entrepreneurs who have come out of the education system in the past, we can see without doubt that the system was suited to those people at that time.

We should not necessarily have a constant focus on multinationals or major industries when it comes to employment. We must consider community employment and positions that help the individual, whether it is metalworking, basket making, crochet or delivering apple tarts to local shops. All such modes of employment have been important in the past and they do not suffer from the same winds of change as bigger industries. That is not to say that the whole economy can be built on such jobs. If we are looking for ways to help, however, that is one way.

We were all proud to see the editorial in The Wall Street Journal a couple of days ago which commended Ireland strongly and pointed to it as an example of a country which was capable of taking necessary measures. Bearing in mind the number of American companies in Ireland, we must remember that The Wall Street Journal will be read by all captains of industry in that country. This glowing commendation of Ireland was made possible by our education system. I have moved from cottage industries to multinationals.

There are two aspects to education, one of which is the development of one's character and personality. I am fully committed to the idea of a rounded education in that context. The second aspect is preparation for obtaining a job at the end of one's education. Both of these must be considered. We must consider the education system closely to determine whether our qualifications and courses are designed in this way at present.

This debate has been worthwhile. Obviously the cut and thrust of politics will require a vote. That is all right. We will all go into our own lobbies. I have no doubt, however, that we have all focused on what is important. Senator Feargal Quinn put it well, although I noticed that the two words "commend" and "condemn" sound very alike. In fact, they have many of the same letters. However, when the voting is over, I do not doubt that between those two words, there have been contributions from both sides of the House today of which cognisance should be taken. The Members who made those contributions have the experience and exposure that can make a major contribution to any reassessment of the education system for the future.