Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

Does this mean that a representative of the students' union will be appointed to the agency by the Minister? Can she make such an appointment given that six appointments are outstanding? I accept the agency's role is to oversee the lands and so on and I accept two ordinary members, including my party colleague, Mr. Christy Burke, are on the consultative group. Is there a compelling reason for the exclusion of a representative of the students' union on the agency? The agency should be inclusive and, given that more than 21,000 students will attend the institute, I hope the Minister will consider the appointment of a student representative. The other agencies and stakeholders will be represented and it would be positive if the students' union were involved in the early work of the agency. While I accept the students are represented on the consultative group, perhaps the Minister will consider the appointment of a representative of the student body to the agency.

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