Ireland at the back of the education class

CRAIG Barrett, former CEO of Intel, has repeatedly pointed out that Ireland must invest a higher percentage of GDP in education and research and development.

We have the lowest investment in education and R&D by comparison with the rest of Europe.

When will the Government learn that without realistic funding in education and innovative research, Ireland will end up as a backward country unattractive to any sort of worthwhile foreign direct investment. The Government itself is sadly deficient in competent people at the helm and in key ministries.

By way of example we only have to look at who heads up Enterprise, Trade and Employment – Mary Couglan, a dreadful choice for this very important portfolio, her incompetence recently manifest with the SR Technics jobs saga at Dublin airport.

Ryanair had wished to create a European aircraft maintenance base in Dublin by taking over the SR Technics facility at the airport there and creating 500 jobs.

Because of Coughlan’s incompetence at negotiation, Michael O’Leary has decided to invest €10 million instead in a maintenance facility in Glasgow.

In the interest of Ireland gaining any credibility in attracting inward investment, Ms Coughlan will have to go.

Parick L O’Brien

Clogheen – Kerry Pike

Cork