Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

That is the core of the argument. I have the greatest of respect for the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, and believe he is trying to do his very best for education, but there is a need for a comprehensive debate on the issues involved.

Senator Conway is correct. The wages of academics in the past ten or 15 years must be addressed. They must lead by example. What Senator Barrett referred to should also form part of that debate. The universities are slipping down the European and world leagues, while the American CEO of one of the new industries establishing in Ireland stated last week that he was astonished by the level of educational attainment of those coming before him for interview. We have a proud tradition of producing graduates from third level colleges, but there are many issues to be considered, other than the imposition of fees. Irrespective of whatever debate takes place here on the future role of education within a limited budget, the people are watching. Those who will be most affected by an increase in registration fees are the ordinary five-eighth and, to paraphrase the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the people can take no more. I, therefore, advise the Government to tread carefully where it imposes various increases in taxation.