Entrepreneurship Education should start at primary level – MacSharry

Senator Marc MacSharry has called for a new Entrepreneurship Education
policy to be introduced into Ireland's 3,292 Primary Schools. The Sligo
based Senator stressed that Ireland needs a strong spirit of
Entrepreneurship among the next generation for the country to prosper
and reach its true potential. MacSharry will present a plan to
Government on the issue in the near future.

”The education system needs to be overhauled; we need to be radical
and start the process at primary level as well as secondary and higher
education” said the 35 year old Senator.

He explained that his research in the area had revealed that Ireland
will face an innovation emergency in ten years unless we invest in
entrepreneurship education throughout all levels and it is critical if
the culture is to be changed.

“As we look to the future, it is our own entrepreneurs who will be our
greatest source of employment. It is not sustainable to depend heavily
on Foreign Direct Investment and the Civil & Public services to provide
jobs. It is therefore imperative that we foster a culture of innovation
and entrepreneurship from the earliest age, to ensure the children of
today will provide sustainable economic prosperity for our country’s
future”

”Academic studies have proved multiple benefits for both students and
the economy but ultimately such a new programme will create more jobs in
the future without any major investment“ explained the Fianna Fail
Finance Spokesperson in the Seanad.

Mac Sharry will present his proposal at a joint meeting with the
Departments of Education and Science and Enterprise, Trade and
Employment and is seeking an early introduction of the new policy.