Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

The Senator has touched on an important issue. In assessing the quality of teaching and learning the feedback of students and peers must also be taken into account because, as he correctly said, if the board was to deem the poetry of Brendan Kennelly and his communication of same to be inadequate, it would not hold water because his record speaks for itself. The comments of peers and students and the issuance of international invitations to spread the word about Brendan Kennelly or another lecturer of equal repute speak for themselves. It is important to clarify that there will not be meddling to this extent. However, feedback from students which is rarely canvassed is critical and should not be underestimated. Does the Bill envisage the inclusion of such feedback in the assessment of teaching and learning?