Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday Senator Michael Mullins drew to our attention the fact that Ms Louise Phelan, vice-president of global operations of PayPal, stated that some of graduates need to up their game. Senator O'Keeffe spoke of the importance of our graduates also. Ms Phelan stated that all our work will be in vain if our graduates get a reputation of not knowing how to carry themselves in the workplace, and some thought this was harsh. Ms Phelan, as well as being vice-president of global operations for PayPal, has a deep commitment to public service. Her brother was a Senator here at one time. We need to take her words seriously. I call on the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, to look at setting up something in transition year to incorporate work ethics and a preparation for working into the school system. Even at a graduate level, we need something like that. We need to listen to Ms Phelan. We cannot blame the messenger for the message.

If the Cathaoirleach will indulge me, it has just been announced that the Garda in Dundalk is launching a major investigation into a suspected criminal operation in diesel laundering involving CAB. This is a first. Previously, it was simply a Revenue matter. Matters are moving on. We have discussed diesel laundering in this House on many occasions with the Minister. In addition, and separately, the Garda is bringing its first case of diesel laundering to court. Could the Leader invite the Minister in to give us an update on how matters are progressing? There is enough green diesel coming in here to fuel all the tractors in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We need to keep working on this.