Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have spoken about a number of matters today and yesterday. It is very important that we argue on policy points, rather than make personal attacks on whoever is in the Chamber, be it the Ministers who come to the House or our colleagues. It is also important that we base our arguments on facts. That is crucial. We have a crucial role to always look to an evidence base when we are putting our policies forward. If we do not base our opinions and policies on a strong evidence base, where are we going? The evidence base has to be there. It is crucial, going forward, that there is a strong evidence base.

Speaking of an evidence base that we should be using, I will highlight that there is a report on future funding for higher education. Our strength should be in the quality of education that we have, both at secondary and third level. The future funding of higher education report was produced by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science and examined how we should support our technological universities and universities. The report also examined how to support people to achieve their maximum potential, be it in further and higher education, apprenticeships or traditional degrees.

We should never underestimate the power of education in ensuring people are informed, get information based on multiple news source and are informed from a strong evidence base that is based in fact. Otherwise, we are fighting for things that we will not achieve for anyone in the community and society. It is key that what proposals for funding higher education will support the country and our democratic ideals. I am proud to say that is what I stand for. I know my colleagues stand for this as well.