Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I can see that the Minister is reluctant to increase the membership further, given that we have already increased the number of councillors since the first draft. Again, however, I would generally make the point that if there are 21 people, there should be a second representative for learners. I take the Minister's point that we have gone from 18 to 21 already and he was prepared to make space to address other points raised. I also accept the Minister's argument as to why he has not opted to name specific bodies in the legislation. I met representatives of NALA at an earlier stage in this process about the Bill and we discussed the need for that organisation to be a nominating body. However, I take the Minister's point that it is not appropriate that every time one wants to add a new body, one is required to change primary legislation. I accept that this is probably best done by way of ministerial regulation and I appreciate the Minister's assurance that NALA is one of the nominating bodies.

I acknowledge that there is not a USI-type arrangement in place and that student representative structures in general are not great not just in the VECs, but in adult education generally. That is a result of a much higher turnover of students, with many doing one-year courses and so forth, unlike the four-year degree structure at many universities, which enabled myself and Senator Bacik to become involved in student representation, for example. I ask the Minister to consider this issue further before Report Stage. I believe the principle is important, while accepting what the Minister has said about parents. However, from the teenage years onwards, while it is important for parents to have a voice, I also believe that young adults should have a greater say on issues that affect them, as does the Minister himself. I would like to see this matter considered again between now and Report Stage to see if we can arrive at something that is acceptable to all.