Shane Ross (Independent)

I wish to point out, as most Members are aware, a very large march on Leinster House will take place today with perhaps 20,000 or 25,000 students. I know all politicians are coming under pressure about special pleading at present, particularly on education, hospitals and every particular area. There is a tendency when we talk about expenditure on education to look on it as current expenditure and to look at an increase in fees, which is the intention, as current expenditure. This is a fairly refined distinction which suits people and suits a certain agenda. Education is a matter, to a large extent, of capital expenditure. It is an investment in the future of Ireland.