Michael McCarthy (Labour)

It is strange for a university Senator to propose such an amendment but I agree that the issue of academic representation is adequately covered in subsection (e). Subsection (d) provides for the appointment of "one person who is nominated for appointment as a member of the council by the Minister for Education and Science and is engaged in the provision of higher education". Section (e) goes on to stipulate there must be "two persons who are nominated for such appointment by a relevant body or bodies specified by the Minister by order under subsection (2) or, where no body is specified, are nominated for appointment by the National University of Ireland". The amendment is self-explanatory and I ask the Minister to consider it. I am sure she will agree that subsection (e) ensures adequate academic representation on the council.