Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much see the Deputy's intention. I accept her bona fides on this and I am not trying to be argumentative about it. One of the purposes of the Bill, however, is to provide a pathway to become a designated institution for institutions that are not currently designated as such. We could pick a number of examples throughout the country. What if a private college wished to become a public one? People will be aware of the issue around Carlow College at present. I am not proposing this is the path it is on; I am just using it as an example. From time to time, issues can arise where institutions can look to become part of the higher education public landscape. In this legislation, we are trying to do something we have not had before, which is to define a pathway to becoming a designated institution. When I meet NCI representatives, for example, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be on this pathway. I see the Deputy and I do not disagree on that. I ask the Deputy to perhaps reflect on the policy intention she is trying to ensure between now and Report Stage. I have genuine concerns that, as currently worded, there could be unintended consequences for the flexibility we are trying to put in for a pathway to designation.