Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with all the words of congratulation to both Irish teams. It is a great day to be Irish. I was proud to see them qualify and go forward to the last 16 of the European Championship finals. It is was marvellous day and was uplifting for our country.

I concur with Senator Butler with regard to what we are seeing with the airlines and what I would call exploitation of our fans. These are ordinary people who have saved up, who wish to support our national teams and be associated with their successes on and off the field. There is exploitation and I call on the Leader to ask the airlines to be fair. All anyone is asking is for them to be fair and allow these people to attend to support their national team.

I wish to take the opportunity to mention another great national sporting event from last weekend, one I was closely associated with. The national Féile na nGael championships took place in Waterford and Tipperary last weekend. Hundreds of young teams played hurling, camogie and handball in Tipperary and Waterford. Teams from throughout the island, north, south, east and west, came together to build new friendships. While competing on the field of play, they created friendships for the rest of their lives. Thousands of youngsters congregated in counties Tipperary and Waterford for what was truly a remarkable national event.

I wish to put on the public record my appreciation to the GAA and all the volunteers, coaches, parents and mentors who gave freely of their time to organise such events. This aspect often goes unnoticed and I wish to put on record in the Parliament what the event does for our young people. It is a great national event. The same goes for rugby, soccer and many minority sports as well. People have spoken this morning of the ability of sport to build bridges. Through sport our youngsters learn to build new relationships, networks and teams throughout their adult lives and it stands to them forevermore.

I call on the Leader to organise a debate on funding for third level colleges, universities and institutes of technology. Funding is essential if we are to equip our graduates to the best level possible to compete globally and internationally. They must have access to the best equipment, research facilities, laboratories and engineering equipment. I have heard concerns expressed from representatives of industry. Unfortunately, in recent years because of cutbacks, facilities and equipment have been affected. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House to debate this critical issue. If we are to have the best graduates coming from this country, then our colleges need to be properly equipped and I am calling for a debate on the matter.