Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions. It has always been a custom of the Seanad to have a debate on the Appropriation Bill but there is not always a debate in the other House. It gives an opportunity to discuss general economic questions relating to this country so it is a very valuable opportunity. Senator Phelan was concerned about the forecast made by the Department relating to GDP next year, but the forecast of 1.7% of GDP growth is in line with the latest private sector consensus forecast or the so-called Reuter's basket.

In what was a very interesting speech Senator Phelan discussed the question of the OECD and education standards. In the plan for national recovery the Government went to great lengths to preserve educational provision and expenditure as much as possible. There has been a significant return to education throughout this economic crisis and it is clear the up-skilling of individuals who find themselves out of work during this period of temporary recession is very valuable and of great long-term benefit to the economy.

The Senator is correct in focusing on the issue of standards as well as financial provision. Too much of the education debate is focused on financial provision and appropriate class sizes or provision at third level of investment programmes. The core issue in our educational system is the quality of the graduate from the school or institution concerned.