Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 148:

In page 63, to delete lines 20 to 22 and substitute the following: “(a) one person having a special interest in or expertise in, or knowledge of, matters relating to higher education or the functions of An tÚdarás (other than a member of the Board, a member of the staff of An tÚdarás, a public servant or a person employed or engaged by in institution of higher education),

(b) one person with demonstrable expertise in, or knowledge of, matters relating to higher education at an international level (other than a member of the Board, a member of the staff of An tÚdarás, a public servant or a person employed or engaged by an institution of higher education), and”.

We are replacing what has been suggested regarding the appeals board and its appointees. The Bill states, "two persons having a special interest in or expertise in, or knowledge of, matters relating to higher education or the functions of An tÚdarás". We are replacing that with, "one person having a special interest in or expertise in, or knowledge of, matters relating to higher education or the functions of An tÚdarás (other than a member of the Board, a member of the staff of An tÚdarás, a public servant or a person employed or engaged by in institution of higher education)". That is a more thorough definition. We also include, "one person with demonstrable expertise in, or knowledge of, matters relating to higher education at an international level (other than a member of the Board, a member of the staff of An tÚdarás, a public servant or a person employed or engaged by an institution of higher education)".

The Minister might comment on the amendment.