Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The definition of "further education" in the Bill is too narrow. We welcome the Minister of State's proposal to define it better later in the Bill rather than having a legal definition of it. We will not, therefore, oppose the removal of the definition. We would like to give a little more thought to this issue to see if we can come up with a definition before Report Stage. We cannot accept the current definition as it is too narrow. I have tried to expand on the definition in amendment No. 2 in my name and can say I found it difficult to do so. Will the Minister of State give a commitment to engage in further discussion before Report Stage with a view to coming up with a definition that will satisfy everyone? If it is not possible to arrive at such a definition, we will need to consider how we can include it in section 9. We will not oppose amendment No. 1. I am willing to withdraw amendment No. 2 if we receive a commitment to engage in further discussion before Report Stage.