David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I have spoken repeatedly in this House on the economy and the abortion laws in this country, I intend to direct my mind to slightly less global issues. I am deeply concerned about the position of universities, in particular the university of which I have experience, because of the existence of the heads of a Bill entitled the universities (amendment) Bill. Does the Leader have information on the state of the Bill, when it will be finished and when the full Bill will be presented to the House? I am concerned because, under the Bill, the Minister purports to give himself powers to direct universities and, effectively, to change staff numbers and remuneration of staff. He can extinguish subjects entirely and can appoint an investigator, which is a somewhat sinister title, and the investigator will have such sweeping powers as were resoundingly rejected by the people in the referendum on investigations. The powers will enable investigators to enter college rooms and the private apartments of people resident in universities. I find it astonishing and ill-considered. It is the kind of thing that got Mr. Mursi into trouble in Egypt.

My second topic has an economic aspect and is a by-product of the difficulties in which we find ourselves. I previously raised the issue of the schools on Inis Meáin, where a second teacher was removed. This is very problematic for an island community. Now, the subsidy is being removed from a small aircraft that services the island. One of the principal industries is the knitting industry with connections in Florence. High fashion is produced and 16 people are employed.