Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a former director of adult education and as chairman of the Joint Committee on Health, I commend the amendment and thank the Minister of State for introducing it. I also pay tribute to Senator Reilly, who had an amendment but withdrew it in favour of the amendment proposed by the Minister of State. It is important that we have coherence in our education and training sector. The Minister of State piloted the Technological Universities Act through this House and the Lower House. This is further progressive legislation, and it is to her credit.

Senator McFadden noted that the legislation will ensure that, at home and abroad, the reputation of the RCSI is enhanced. I remind Senator Mullen that we are bringing doctors home at the moment. Brain drain is not as extensive as it once was. We are bringing people back. As part of the reforms we need in our health service, there must be an integrated career advancement plan, which Senator Reilly, when he was Minister for Health, attempted to begin. I hope that progress can continue in that area. We will discuss language schools in a moment, but I welcome, as a former director of adult education, the qualification and reputation this amendment will bring.

Senator Mullen quoted Shakespeare, but a name is important and the accreditation is very important. People from abroad consider the awarding body and the level of qualification involved. This is important. I commend the Minister of State and Minister Reilly for their work on this. Sorry, I mean Senator Reilly. Perhaps he will be a Minister again soon.