Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to those expressing some concern about the reform agenda of the committee. As Senator Darragh O'Brien said, it should not be limited to the Seanad. We need reform of both Houses and I hope the committee will investigate the opportunity to do so.

Some two years ago, the Government expressed concern about the colleges teaching English to non-European students. A number of them were abusing the opportunity to do so and the Government introduced the Q mark. It is a fairly blunt instrument but many of the colleges moved immediately to do something about it. One particular college spent a lot of time to ensure it had the Q mark granted by a British organisation. Two months ago, the Government announced it would not accept any Q mark registration from outside the country. That could mean the loss of jobs by a considerable number of people involved in teaching and administration in the colleges. There was abuse of the visa system and the Government had to do something but it must make sure it does not use such a blunt instrument. I urge the Minister for Education and Skills to ensure the colleges that did a lot of work to ensure they conform to the Q mark registration system are given the opportunity to prove they meet the standard. I believe it is necessary and I will send some details to the Leader to pass on.

A few months ago, I had an interesting task to help encourage retailers in Wexford to do away with 1 cent and 2 cent coins and round off to 5 cent. It was an impressive opportunity and the whole town got behind it. The town did very well and the Central Bank is considering it for around the country. There is a lot to be said for singling out one town and deciding to make an example of what we can do when a whole town gets behind an objective. The 1 cent and 2 cent coins cost far more to produce than they are worth and many end up being left in boxes and jam jars and not being used.

Something similar could be done with defibrillators. The Department of Health should identify one town, and I will suggest the town of Fermoy, where defibrillators are produced, and make an example of the town to show what can be done if the whole town gets behind saving lives. We can save lives on that basis and, once the rest of the country sees what one town can do, it will set an example for the rest of the country.