Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The debate on this very important subject has been most enlightening. I agree with Senator Sean D. Barrett that for a smart country and smart people, we were quite dumb in 2008. There are, undoubtedly, individuals within the economy and our society who are extremely smart. Unfortunately, many of these extremely smart people are going abroad to find their feet. There must be an effort to move science to centre stage. There should be no sense in which it is presented as elitist, particularly in the language used.

Like Senator Mary Moran, I was a poor science student. My teachers' main concern was that I might mix the wrong chemicals and blow up the science laboratory. Science must become part of the dialogue in this country - in fact, it must be at the centre of that dialogue. It is by fostering creativity that we will create indigenous and sustainable jobs and become a world leader. Science gives us the opportunity to do that and we do not require access to billions of euro. We do not even need millions of euro. All we need are people with brains who are prepared to dedicate their expertise in the area of science.

The Young Scientist competition, sponsored by BT, has seen the emergence of several immensely talented young people. Some of them have gone on to win the international competition, which is a testament to what is being done in this country at second level. Investment in science is an investment in the future. One might not see a benefit instantaneously, but there is a clear benefit in the long term, not least in so far as it fosters confidence among investors internationally. Investors seeking bases in which to invest or set up business will see us as a nation investing in science and establishing a creativity culture within science. We have demonstrated that we are capable of following international best practice and creating world class products. We need only look at the dairy and farming sector to see the evidence of this. I regularly speak to agricultural students in UCD and other colleges whose ideas and vision for the country are mind-blowing. That is the type of confidence in which we need to invest. Above all, we need to hold onto these young people.

This has been one of the better debates in this House and certainly proves the usefulness of Seanad Éireann. We are fortunate to have Members like Senator Sean D. Barrett who is one of Europe's best transport economists and can also speak with confidence about science. I hope this debate will be part of an ongoing discourse with the Minister of State that will allow us to address the challenges that present in this area.