I AM totally in favour of Tony Blair's plan for education.

Ireland is one of the most preferable locations for investment in Europe and it is especially preferable for U.S. investors, because it has a higher proportion of young people in third level education (and, quite a lot can converse fluently in two or three languages).

To prove how important education is to the economy, between 1993-98, Ireland's economy grew by 51 per cent - three times as strong as the rest of the industrialised world. It is now, on a per capita basis, the third largest non-oil exporter in the world.

America is the third most important destination for Irish exports.

We live in a changing world. Our education system must change with it. Otherwise we will find ourselves up the river without a paddle.

M BURCHER,

Worcester.