Sean Barrett (Independent)

I will not press the amendment, but I am halfway through a four year term as a member of a university board and can assure the Minister of State that the Bill was never discussed. I previoulsy served a half term on the same board and the Bill was not discussed during that time, which is most regrettable. However, I thank the Minister of State for his sentiments in that regard.

We must reinvent Irish universities as places where ideas are discussed, as that is what they are about. One cannot have people saying they made a deal with the Minister or the chief executive. The nature of a university is to have some of the finest knowledge in the country at its disposal. The people in question must have a say on education policy, otherwise they might as well go and work in research institutes. As we look for the education sector to do so much to develop the country, it is important that people participate and their wisdom is brought to the table.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.