Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Minister of State is very welcome to the Seanad for this debate. I add my voice to those of both the previous speakers. The evidence is that Trinity College has existed for, I think, 420 years and is managed very well. The other universities have been there for well over 100 years. Not only have they succeeded for that length of time but, as Senator Crown has said, they have enjoyed international recognition. That did not happen by accident.

I know the argument will be made that he who pays the piper calls the tune. The Government will say it is making a large contribution to the upkeep of the universities and, therefore, should have a say in what they do. The fact the universities have existed so long and so successfully and with such international recognition means tampering with them, and particularly adding an extra layer of bureaucracy, will mean the money aspect will, in the long term, take precedence over academic achievement. Senator Barrett's amendment is worthy of consideration and I urge the Minister of State to consider it.