Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Two figures stood out for me during the past month. When the leader of Hewlett Packard announced the creation of 50 jobs - not very many - he was asked what qualifications would be needed by candidates. He said they just had to be able to speak a second language. The reporter said, "That means no Irish need apply." We have the worst figures for language training in Europe. The number of pupils in secondary school in Ireland who learn two languages is 8%, compared to 60% on average elsewhere in Europe. We have to do something about this. Even worse, however, is the figure for primary school pupils. The percentage who learn one other language is 3%. The average figure elsewhere in Europe is 60%. In a number of countries, for example, Sweden and Luxembourg, 100% learn a second language. Even in Italy the figure is 99%. I mention this because it is the sort of issue we should challenge and debate in the House. Let us look to the future, on the bright side and at having a can-do attitude. However, we will not be able to do this if we do not give younger people some chance to compete in the future.