Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have a different view on this in that I see the benefit in the value for money. I take the Deputy's point on what value for money is and value for money is not defined in that sense but the analysis of it is entrusted to the HEA. The HEA's board is appointed under legislation with an accountability back to this House through me and through the likes of the Committee of Public Accounts. Our institutions do excellent work. We can all point to areas where there has not been value for money and there have been some high-profile cases that have damaged institutions, which none of us want to happen. I want to be clear that there is no disagreement on autonomy or academic freedom and academic freedom remains the law of the land. We have worked to strengthen autonomy and be clear throughout the Bill on the importance of same but it is entirely possible to be autonomous and at the same time be asked to satisfy the HEA on value for money. I would be more inclined to agree with the Deputy if we were putting a rigid definition into the Bill on what value for money is whereas instead it is entrusted to the HEA. We have a different perspective on how best to achieve accountability and transparency.