Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raised the issue of requirements in subjects to enter universities two days ago and I have some updates on those. There are proposals to remove mathematics and languages as entry requirements, and my correspondence indicates these are gathering pace. Discussions are taking place in the University of Limerick and in UCC this week. It is reported that UCD is totally in favour of the proposals and that TCD has dissented. The Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, said in this House that the report of the expert skills group indicated to her that we needed more language skills in Ireland and not less. I do not believe she is being kept in the loop on these kinds of proposals. We are members of a multilingual European Union and we should not be cutting back on languages. Mathematics is the basis of all our investment in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, subjects. These proposals should be passed for consideration to the education committee chaired by Deputy Joanna Tuffy and the Minister should certainly be advised of them because they seem to contradict what we are seeking to accomplish in the development of this country.

On a related aspect of the development of this country, I praise the Labour Party on its decision in Kenmare, or Killarney - I named the wrong town in Kerry-----