Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 12, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following:"(i) developing and promoting strong social and cultural links, and links supporting creativity, between the technological university and the community in the region in which the campuses of the technological university are located,".

This group of amendments arises from our discussions at Committee Stage and provides for references to links supporting creativity and creative organisations to be included in a number of sections of the Bill.

Amendment No. 11 provides that technological universities will develop and promote strong social and cultural links, including links supporting creativity between the technological university and the community in the region in which the campuses of the technological university are located.

Amendment No. 12 broadens the range of organisations with whom a technological university shall foster close and effective relationships. I am now including a reference to creative interests in order to ensure the broadest sweep of artistic and creative community interests are encompassed in this provision.

Amendment No. 28 provides for the development of strong social and cultural links and links supporting creativity between the technological university and the community as part of the strategic development plan of a technological university. I am also seeking to ensure that the links are strengthened to ensure creative influences are involved in this provision.

Amendment No. 40 also results from the discussion with Deputies at Committee Stage. This amendment provides that applicant institutes have procedures in place to develop further and promote as a technological university not alone strong social and cultural links but also links supporting creativity.

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