Mr. John MacGabhann:

The Chairman asked if there were gaps and the one we have identified is the transfer of undertakings. It is a declaration of war if there is any suggestion, as Mr. Tom Boland has made, that they should be scrapping contracts. That will not happen. There was one issue he omitted in his description of the system, which is the enormous workload on the lecturing cohort in the institutes of technology. It is abnormally high by any comparison, particularly international comparisons. It is an impediment to the institute of technology sector in progressing towards technological university status. It throws out of kilter the balance sought by Senator Healy Eames between research, work with community and teaching.

I will not address the junior cycle, which is a separate debate. I am happy not to address it if the members are happy not to hear me address it. Under the noses of the political system, there is attrition through the employment control framework each year. It is going on unremarked and there is a withholding tax the HEA is proposing to apply to the residual funding available. The withholding tax, for the attainment of particular national objectives, is arbitrary to say the least and is certainly not welcome in straitened circumstances.

On the question of collegiality, the academic council is critical. I echo the comments of Professor Brian Norton. The problem is not with the academic council but the absence of a structure that is adequate in terms of merged entities. We must ensure the engagement required with the academic workforce is ever present. I also endorse what has been said on behalf of the students. There should be full engagement with the student body as citizenry.