David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While the questions asked have been partially answered, the issue before the committee, namely, the Waterford Institute of Technology, WIT, report, has not been dealt with. It is fine that there will be a review of the 1971 Act. That was discussed when the witnesses were before the committee. Mr. Love was concerned about the Act and its limitations in the context of the HEA carrying out reviews. A review of that legislation would be welcome. It seems the Attorney General's advice has been received but we do not know what it is. The WIT report is wrapped up in all of this. There are a number of different options. I was not so much looking for information on what the HEA will do in respect of future reports, examinations and investigations. All future examinations may change as a result of the review of the legislation. There are options regarding the WIT draft report, which is in legal limbo. One option is to modify the existing report. Mr. Love told us it was his intention to publish the report but it may need to be modified. There were concerns as to whether that was possible given the Attorney General's advice and the limitations of the HEA's role in doing these reviews. The other option was a ministerial appointment. It could be the case that the Department would have to wait for an amendment to the Act, before starting again. My question was not less about where the process was that about what would be done with the WIT report. I want to get a response for once and for all because this issue has dragged on. At some point, somebody has to call it and decide what will happen with the draft report. Will the report be modified in some way or will we start again? If the latter is the case, what is the process for starting again? Can we get an answer to that once and for all?