Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am struck by a report in today's Irish Independent detailing an industry finding that information technology graduates emerging from our third level institutions are not entirely fit for purpose. Employers found that their education was too theory based, did not include sufficient practical experience and that some of the computer languages they were learning were out of date. The colleges must take note of these findings. As Senator Feargal Quinn observed, we must have the right skills base for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

I understand a Cabinet decision is imminent on the restructuring of third level institutions.

I expect that they will be restructured along lines of excellence because, unless we have specialist, up-to-date colleges with the right staff, etc., we are not in the real world today. I call on the Leader to find out for us when that decision will be made and when the report will be available, because we need to debate it here. I hope that will happen this side of the summer.

I wish to make one final point and I beg the indulgence of the Cathaoirleach. It is very important, on the issue of abortion and the right to life, that freedom of expression is facilitated on both sides, including religious expression. I believe we have gone so far but we are not in a healthy place religion-wise in this country. We know the church, particularly the Catholic Church, has a great deal to make amends for.