Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In respect of amendment No. 5, the Minister of State has confirmed that if they are not charging, they are not covered, which gives me some assurance. I am also pleased that there will be a review because in some senses we are rushing the Bill through. We had intended to take Committee Stage at the select committee last week and then come to Report Stage this week, giving time to tease these issues out further. There will be a review as a result of the Seanad amendments, which is important in this regard. I would not like to see community education being affected and having to pay money it cannot afford. I would not be reassured by them being allowed to pay in instalments. I am more reassured by the Minister of State's clear response that if they are not charging the learner, they are excluded from having to pay anything.

Regarding amendment No. 6, it is fundamentally unfair to force colleges which have done things properly and have provided insurance for their students, and more latterly for their staff, to pay into a fund. It is compulsory to pay into the fund. There is no opportunity to cover themselves otherwise. I have worded the amendment carefully enough that it is not their judgment that they offer greater protection. It is judgment in consultation between the Minister and the authority. It is an objective judgment by the people who are administering the fund. I am not satisfied that my issues under amendment No. 6 are addressed.

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