Shortsighted approach to education spending

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

CRAIG BARRETT of Intel deserves credit for highlighting the fact that investment in research and education gives a very good return for the resources involved and is more important than investment in banks.

Yet we have Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe, his government colleagues and indeed many politicians of the main opposition parties who want to restrict access to education by charging fees and cutting expenditure on research.

Our policymakers need to examine their priorities. If we are to get out of this recession and remain economically competitive into the future we need to ensure our education system is accessible to all and we also need to remain in the forefront of scientific research.

Arguing lack of resources, as O’Keeffe has done, is shortsighted and stupid.

Money spent on education and research gives a high rate of return and ensures our workforce is competitive in the years ahead. This is hugely important in the present difficult circumstances.

Why does it take someone from abroad to tell us we need to prioritise our education and research and development systems if the economy is to have a long-term future?

Anthony Leavy
Shielmartin Drive
Sutton
Dublin 13

This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, September 30, 2009