James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to attend the meeting and thank the committee for the opportunity to support the order. While I do not have a vote, I am sure my colleagues will support it. The institution of the RCSI, as was pointed out, has given an education to men and women from Ireland and throughout the world. In my time as Minister for Health, I was struck by the influence it has in so many places because of the goodwill for the college through its graduates spread throughout the world.

I trained at the RCSI and was never trained to be anything other than a caring doctor who sought to heal wounds, relieve pain and preserve pain. As was noted by other speakers, that the RCSI is considered a university everywhere else outside this jurisdiction is a contradiction that strikes people, and it is damaging to the college in respect of its ability to influence countries that are not aware of its status. China, in particular, wonders why it is considered a university everywhere else but Ireland.

The arguments raised by Sinn Féin regarding serious issues in Bahrain are somewhat skewed and do not bear relevance, given that the college already has university status outside of these shores. The order is about conferring university status here in recognition of the college's tremendous work, including the pro bonowork it has done throughout the world, in sub-Saharan Africa and various other places. In my contribution in the Seanad, I itemised all such work and I have no intention of reiterating them now.

I thank the Minister of State for showing the leadership she has on the matter, and the Department, the Chairman and the committee for their support. It is a proud and good day for the RCSI and its graduates, who are spread throughout the world. It is timely and appropriate.