Professor Daniel Carey:

I support the position that the Technological Universities Act provides for academic freedom, as Dr. Lillis has stated. It is an important principle. We should also emphasise that the Minister does not have a role in making funding decisions. I do not think that is the intention but that should probably be clarified in the legislation. It is separate, and it is consistent with what Professor Nolan has said. I strongly emphasise that side of it. Obviously, we want the board to be separate from actual funding decisions, so there is no indication of a benefit to an institution or individual in that way.