Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In an effort to be helpful, I agree with the Deputy on this matter. I believe I am capturing his amendment in Government amendments Nos. 69 and 70. Those amendments provide for consultation on the planning and provision of higher education in the State with trade unions or staff associations of members of staff of designated institutions which are recognised by those institutions. A specific listing for trade unions and staff associations in the consultation provision was requested by a number of stakeholders following publication of the Bill. I agree it is important that trade unions and staff associations of staff in designated higher institutions are consulted and that is why, in response to Deputy Ó Ríordáin, I am bringing forward amendments Nos. 69 and 70, which I believe achieve what amendments Nos. 68 and 71 are setting out to do.