Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank Senator Brennan for his kind words. It was good to see the representation in Dundalk the other day.

I was jolted recently to discover that several of the high-tech companies that were coaxed into investing in Ireland have been unable to find the talent they require among job applicants, particularly in regard to coding and computer technology, and have had to import staff. The reason for this dearth of talent is that we are not encouraging nearly enough people at a young age to pursue training in the area of science and technology. Yet the Government has just reduced the number of career guidance teachers at second level. There must be a heavy emphasis on such guidance if we are to succeed in this area.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to the House for a debate on this issue? There is a double challenge, encompassing the remits of both Departments, in terms of developing the expertise in computer skills which is needed by the companies investing in this State. There is work to do in education and at enterprise level, but it is achievable. There have been several interesting success stories such as that of the eight year old girl who is able to teach a class of 15 year olds in her school how to handle computer technology. Children should be introduced to technology skills at the age of seven, eight or nine. Little action has thus far been taken to address this shortfall in expertise among the Irish workforce.