Dr. Attracta Halpin:

Very well. The RCSI enterprise in Bahrain reflects the imperative for universities today to become increasingly international. Like other universities, NUI institutions seek actively to internationalise their campuses and increase their impact internationally. Moreover, the NUI supports its member institutions in that endeavour. As has been mentioned, NUI institutions frequently operate in countries with different human rights cultures, and human rights issues arise. To support our institutions and on the initiative of our chancellor, Dr. Maurice Manning - who, as members of the Committee will be aware, chaired the Irish Human Rights Commission - the NUI sought expert advice and drew up a document, Human Rights Principles and Code of Conduct, for NUI and its member institutions, which was published in 2013. The document is intended to help the NUI institutions in their international engagements in places such as Bahrain, but not exclusively in Bahrain.

The outbreak of civil unrest and violence in Bahrain starting in February 2011 was viewed with great concern by the NUI. The RCSI kept the university fully briefed on what was happening and Professor Cathal Kelly addressed the NUI senate on the situation in June 2011. Following his address and having noted the college’s unequivocal commitment to the safety and welfare of its students and staff, the senate endorsed the approach adopted by the RCSI and expressed confidence in the college’s handling of a very difficult situation. Based on its experience since 2006, the NUI has full confidence in the academic standards and quality of the programmes leading to its degrees and other qualifications in RCSI-Bahrain and the performance of students graduating from RCSI-Bahrain. The Senate has confidence in the leadership provided and the judgment exercised by the RCSI in the continuing operation of its campus in Bahrain. The University remains committed to the pursuit of knowledge and the promotion of learning nationally and internationally. We will continue to support the RCSI and other NUI institutions in pursuing international opportunities. Through the delivery of excellent academic programmes leading to NUI qualifications both within and outside Ireland, we believe the reputation of the university and of Irish higher education in general will continue to grow. We are of course aware of the risks involved and will continue to develop our policies and processes with a view to minimising those risks.