We do our best for all those people. Hong Kong provides free and universal basic education for nine years. About 1.3 million students, or 19.7 per cent of the total population, were in full-time education during the year. Our investment in education continues to grow, with greater emphasis on basic education and the learning of English. All children between the ages of six and 15 are entitled to free school places and 85 per cent of the students in the appropriate age group also receive secondary level or technical education at highly subsidised rates.
Tertiary education accounts for about one-third of the education budget.
In the 1999-2000 financial year we have budgeted more than 2 billion Punt for education. As I said earlier, I have left it too long to visit Ireland. But I am glad to say I will take some very positive impressions and a number of useful lessons with me. In Hong Kong, we pride ourselves on the standards of our tourist industry. But we have much to learn from you and from the warmth and graciousness of your hospitality.