Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

We could provide that the Minister will appoint the board and that two of them will be members of USI. However, the Minister would select the people from USI rather than the union nominating them. Alternatively, the Bill could provide that two of the board members must be students from a representative organisation.

These people are dealing with confidential matters in their role on college boards. In Belfield one will see posters throughout the college advising students to seek help from the union if they have a problem. They are dealing with confidential matters such as crisis pregnancies and a host of other issues that require confidentiality. With regard to the idea that they will prostitute themselves, throw away rational judgment and say, "I know this person who is appealing so I will ensure they get what they are not entitled to", there is no evidence to suggest they behave in that way. The student movement has come in from the street and wants to be responsible. I ask the Minister to recognise that in statute law.

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