Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

A debate on the Marino Institute of Education might be helpful, because most Members are not privy to all the details and depend on media reports. All Members will agree that many conflicting views have been put forward. For example, yesterday I listened to the Minister for Education and Science, who stated that the Department's inspectorate was quite happy with the academic standards prevailing in the college. As Members are aware, at one time it was also suggested that misappropriation of public funds had taken place. However, the Minister stated that an investigation was carried out and no misappropriation of funds took place.

The Minister observed that an interim arrangement had been put in place to solve the interpersonal difficulties which exist in the college and noted that she believed it was working. She also made a good suggestion to the effect that a point has been reached where such matters could be put to one side and all the parties concerned could meet to try to resolve the issue. However, it does not help the college, education or anyone else to conduct a megaphone-type debate on this issue. It should be handled by the people directly involved. That said, I would like to become better informed regarding this matter through a debate in the House. Perhaps the Minister for Education and Science might come before the House to amplify her comments made on radio yesterday.