Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It appears that the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017, which has been the subject of a great deal of discussion, is the only substantive legislation that the Government is offering before the summer recess. My party leader has outlined to the Taoiseach some legislation that is important to him. We have given a commitment to facilitate the passage of the Technological Universities Bill and the Education (Admissions to School) Bill 2016. Little or nothing has been said publicly about the Technological Universities Bill. I wonder whether it continues to have the approval of the Government at this stage. If not, why is that the case? Institutes of technology throughout the country are quite worried about the gap or lacuna that exists. There is uncertainty in this sector as a result. I do not think the Government is doing anything to address that. We are ready and willing to pass legislation if the Government brings it forward.

See this speech in context