Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 20:

In page 19, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following:"(iii) contributes to the promotion of the economic, cultural and social development of the State,

(iv) respects the diversity of values, beliefs and traditions in Irish society,

(v) promotes critical and free enquiry, informed intellectual discourse and public debate within the technological university and in wider society.".

This is to address the functions of the technological universities as set out on page 19 of the Bill, and that we try to promote critical thinking in public debate. Diversity of debate and values are key aspects of third level education and I see them as core. The language used in section 22 outlines the functions of the universities as collaborating with business, enterprise, professions, the community and related stakeholders in the region to ensure that in so far as possible innovation activity and research undertaken by technological universities will reflect the needs of those stakeholders. This is in direct contrast with the weak language on page 20 on promoting broader aims. The language regarding critical thinking, diversity, free speech, and the economic, social and cultural development of the State is only "where practicable" rather than "in so far as possible". The amendment is to place more emphasis on these being key and core aspects of third level education.