Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to say a few words on the points raised earlier by Senator Rónán Mullen on farm income and the Teagasc report. We are not giving nearly enough attention to this area. I read recently that the United States is concerned that it is currently creating jobs that will not exist in the next generation. An example given was that at the beginning of the 20th century, 50% of the US workforce worked in agriculture but only 2% work in agriculture now. We must ensure that when we concentrate on creating jobs that they are jobs for the long term.

We have to remember, and Senator D'Arcy touched on this, when we talk about education that we do not talk solely about academic education. We must talk about what the Americans call STEM which is science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The concentration has to be on these areas because it is technology which will enable us to have jobs in the future.

The air ambulance service is an item which has been brought up in this House in the past. There was grave doubt as to whether the service would be maintained but the Government announced yesterday that the service is to be continued, which is good news. This is something that we have realised is important enough to ensure investment into it, and the decision was made. Congratulations to the Government for agreeing to this. It is a wonderful achievement to hear that a life has been saved because the air ambulance was able to get them to hospital quickly enough.