Professor Mark Ferguson:

That could be amended. I do not think it is particularly difficult. If it is an oversight, that is terrific because that is easy to fix. I understand that there are other more pressing issues and we have a sense of perspective in respect of small businesses and so on. I completely agree that innovation is important for small businesses. The Senator mentioned Monaghan Mushrooms which, through its innovation in respect of vitamin D-enhanced mushrooms - which incidentally was funded through Science Foundation Ireland, SFI - has captured and recaptured much of the UK market, whereas many of its competitors have gone out of business. That is a really important innovation.

My colleagues will speak on the student issue.