Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have much more to say but I have run out of time. I am passionate about this area, and I know the Minister of State shares that feeling. I am the son of a shoe factory worker and I know the future of the ordinary people in this country is at stake. We need to give this our very best shot, and I know the Minister of State is giving it everything.

I have a point on the provision of courses in education and training boards. Traditionally, for example, a fantastic photographer may give a photography course but with the new structure, the likes of Neven Maguire cannot give a cookery course. A fitter or joiner from Moffatt's engineers or Tara Mines cannot teach students the trade.

We should look at some way, perhaps by means of a tutoring system, to allow those people to continue to be involved in further education and training. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I encourage him to keep up his good work.