Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Maybe so.

The Minister is confident these initiatives will further strengthen Ireland's reputation for educational excellence and help to ensure that we can take fullest advantage of the growing market in international education.

Work will now begin on determining, in consultation with the NUI and the constituent universities, the most appropriate arrangements for distributing NUI functions. On the question of the NUI's role in the election of members of Seanad Éireann, the Minister will work closely with his colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of wider plans for Seanad reform. Like Deputy Quinn I have some experience of this and I wish them both well. It is intended that appropriate legislative provision for dissolution will be made in legislation amalgamating the qualifications and quality assurance bodies. That is from where the reference to Seanad Éireann comes. I will ensure that the Minister is aware of the Deputy's concerns because I believe that the NUI has made a very valuable contribution to graduates. However, I must also make the point that I believe the educational landscape in Ireland has changed out of all recognition in recent years.

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