Sean Barrett (Independent)

I move amendment No. 37:

In page 25, between lines 40 and 41, to insert the following subsection:

"(5) In carrying out a review under subsection (1) of a recognised college the Authority shall consult with the University of Dublin.".

It is slightly different, that the authority "shall consult with the University of Dublin". The previous discussions related to Trinity College. That is a degree awarding body. We have referred to the lack of consultation in this.

As distinct from opinion, I disagree with the Minister that there has been much discussion on this issue. I am trying to get consultation with my university because the same rights are given to the National University of Ireland under section 5. My university can also contribute to that discussion.

There is agreement between the Minister and myself, particularly in education, that this process needs to be opened up and involve much more consultation, with ideas going back and forth. I am attempting to get the TCD or Dublin University section in as the NUI is provided for in section 5.

I wish the NUI the best of luck. I do not know why it got the consultation status and my university did not. I hope it is an oversight that might be looked at on Report Stage. I will withdraw the amendment subject to consultation with the Minister. It seems strange that my university is represented here, under the 1937 Constitution, on equal standing with the National University of Ireland but it is not in this legislation. I would ask the Minister to look at that.