Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I share some of the sentiments expressed by Senator Mooney in regard to employment and the IDA and, as mentioned by others, its regional policy. However, I suggest to the Senator that there is, perhaps, a bit of rewriting of history going on in that while this Government did come into office with a pledge for jobs, that pledge is subject to the mess left behind when it took office. One cannot create anything until an attempt has been made to clear up that mess.

The National Treasury Management Agency is today putting its toe back into the water, which conjures up an interesting picture. It is taking a long time to repair the damage which undoubtedly was created by the previous Government. Before throwing brick bats at the IDA and its capacity to create jobs, Members should perhaps take a reality check in terms of the difficult environment in which we are operating and the difficulties facing the Government and the European Union in creating jobs.

I would like if I may to celebrate Peter Higgs's great hypothesis of 50 years ago, which now turns out to be correct, that there is a glue which holds the world together, which is rather comforting to know. What great timing in terms of world focus on science and its value in communities in the world and the commencement of the science festival here today which celebrates all cultural institutions, including theatre, art and science in which people are encouraged to take part. Perhaps in the midst of that celebration and in acknowledging the great work going on in Geneva and Mr. Peter Higgs's hypothesis of 50 years ago, we could invite the Minister to the House to discuss the National Competitive Council's findings in relation to, as raised by Senator Barrett, our struggle in this country in terms of mathematics, in particular teacher training in this regard. We are falling behind. While we are celebrating science and there are many bright and wonderful people working in that area, our school children need more attention if we are to create the jobs which we undoubtedly need.