I read Senator Eamonn Coghlan's report when preparing for this debate and I must admit that I was dismayed by some of the findings it contains. In fact, it reinforced many of my views on the Irish education system as it currently stands. In the first instance, the system is completely geared towards the leaving certificate points race rather than being focused on preparing young people to lead happy and healthy lives. The pressure relating to the points race has always existed. However, I fear that this pressure will become even more pronounced in light of Ireland's economic position. To use an analogy with which I am familiar, we must stop viewing schools as factories the function of which is to produce students who will continue on to third level. We must return to the drawing board with the objective of producing well-rounded young adults who are equipped for life.