Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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It concerns me because if there were a drop off in any philanthropic source, the spotlight will come back on our Department in the context of trying to fill the gap. That is not a space we want to be in. We want universities to have foundations and we also want them to be out beating the bushes internationally to get money to make sure that the next generation of young learners is properly resourced. We want universities to have international relationships and we want them to be independent. We also want them, and require them, to be responsible. If they are not then there has to be repercussions. Section 64 of the Higher Education Authority Act is the vehicle there. After the current round of investigations is complete, and having had regard to what the Comptroller and Auditor General has said in respect of a number of different institutions, if the CEO and the chairman of the Higher Education Authority believe the Act can be strengthened, while at the same time maintaining the autonomy and independence of institutions, we will strengthen it.