Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin proposes to insert a new provision into section 22 of the Bill. This wording is already provided for in section 22(k)(iii) of the Bill. The amendment is therefore not accepted.

Amendment No. 21 proposes to insert a reference to learners into section 22 of the Bill, which deals with the functions of the technological university. I am of the view that the term "citizens" includes all learners and a reference to flexible means of learning is also of assistance in broadening the reach of the programmes, so we will not accept this amendment.

Amendment No. 25 was submitted by Deputies Byrne and Funchion. It proposes to insert a reference to learners in section 22. The section is fundamentally about engagement with external stakeholders. Staff and students are strongly represented on the governing body and academic council. Their roles on these structures are provided for elsewhere in legislation. Therefore, it is not necessary or appropriate to include references here. Therefore, the amendment is not accepted.