Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I will follow on from what Deputy Dowds said about governance, specifically the National College of Art and Design, from the time its representatives were here. The response from the HEA at that stage was wholly inadequate. I know this issue may have been raised directly with the Chairman over the summer, but serious allegations were raised locally in Limerick about the University of Limerick during the summer. I know the HEA will probably not have the answers that we are requesting today, but is there some mechanism we can use as a committee to deal with the allegations raised in the media about the University of Limerick? Staff were allegedly offered upwards of €60,000 to leave the university on foot of allegations that were being made. Regardless of whether they are true, those allegations have caused a lot of concern in respect of the University of Limerick. It goes back to what Deputy Dowds said. The HEA came in here to talk about the National College of Art and Design and gave an appalling performance in respect of its so-called oversight. Will there be any remedy for individual issues such as this, or is it up to us to invite the individual institution to come before the committee and answer questions?