Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 33:

In page 17, line 5, after “section 14,” to insert “including in relation to the funding required for higher education,”.

The amendment changes section 9(1)(n) to read as follows: "advise the Minister in relation to national policy on higher education in accordance with section 14, including in relation to the funding required for higher education". The amendment provides that the HEA shall advise the Minister with regard to the funding required for higher education. This arose from me following some of the discussions the committee has been having on funding and the view that the HEA should have a role in advising the Minister not just on policy but also on funding. I believe it strengthens the role of the HEA on the important issue of funding.

Amendment No. 35 is tabled by Deputies Ó Ríordáin and Conway-Walsh. I believe I am achieving in amendment No. 33 what they are endeavouring to achieve. Each of us is saying that the HEA should be advising with regard to funding. That was not in the Bill previously, but it will be with amendment No. 33.