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

I can accept amendment No. 13, proposed by Deputy Martin. The advice from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is that the words "where practicable" have no substantive difference from the words "insofar as possible". I appreciate the Deputy's preference for standard terminology and the phrase "insofar as possible" so I am very willing to accept that amendment.

On amendment No. 15, which is also proposed by Deputy Martin, the aim of this provision is to ensure that procedures are established by the technological university for the resolution of disputes and that each trade union, staff association and student union shall be consulted. The key issue is that staff and students are consulted on the procedure. I accept that amendment.

On amendment No. 14, following discussion on Committee Stage, I have reflected on this amendment which was withdrawn by Deputies Lawless and Byrne. I now consider the expansion of the provision so that in the performance of its functions a technological university shall, where practicable, also contribute to the promotion of the scientific and technological development of the State, as well as the economic and cultural development, as reasonable and appropriate. I thank Deputies Byrne and Lawless for engaging.

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