Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is always a pleasure to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English. I thank Senators Jim D'Arcy and Terry Brennan for bringing this motion to the House and the Leader for accommodating the debate. Senator D'Arcy has demonstrated once again his great commitment to further education.

On the day I was elected to this House, I thought how strange it was to have joined the Army as a 16 year old and now to be a Member of the Oireachtas. Further education brought me to where I am today. While talking with my children at the weekend about what I had done since leaving school, I worked out that I have had ten changes of career. It is not bad going and I might have another one yet. Who knows?