Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 88:

In page 34, line 11, after “section 33,” to insert the following: “taking account of the diversity of functions, objects and priorities of different higher education providers,”.

Amendment No. 88 recognises the diversity of functions, objects and priorities of different higher education providers in preparing the performance framework. This amendment provides that the Higher Education Authority, in preparing the performance framework, should have regard to the strategy for tertiary education, taking account of the diversity, which is important in this sector, of functions, objects and priorities of different higher education providers. For example, the research-intensive aspects of the universities is an example of a point of differentiation from some other institutions. This is another section on which Deputy Conway-Walsh and I engaged with the sector. Deputy Ó Ríordáin and Deputy Conway-Walsh's amendments Nos. 89 and 90 seem to endeavour to address the same matter. I engaged with the sector in bringing forward my amendment. Without in any way seeking to speak for the Deputy, I think we are largely trying to land at the same point. I fully understand the purpose of amendments Nos. 89 and 90 and have brought forward amendment No. 88 to endeavour to address the matter.