Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their words of welcome. This is the first education Bill I have dealt with as Minister for Education and Skills. I am delighted to be in the Seanad to take Committee Stage of the Bill which, as Members know, was introduced by my colleague, the former Minister, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. My previous engagement with the Seanad was good and I look forward to the many fine debates we will have on education.

The Bill primarily addresses the title of a university outside the State. It also addresses issues to do with student support and further education and what information can be provided on schools. I will deal, first, with the general points raised.

I thank Senator Sean D. Barrett for his remarks about the interview, but I have not yet read the transcript of it. I recall giving the interview, but I cannot recall what I said. I hope it was positive. I know that I mentioned Senator David Norris as one of the fine people lecturing in Trinity College Dublin.

There were some general points made about the Bill. I know that Senator Sean D. Barrett has tabled a number of amendments and engaged constructively on the Bill. I look forward to dealing with other issues, including, as raised by Senator David Norris in later amendments, the use of the word "person".

On the matter of international education and the issues raised by Senators Averil Power and David Norris, the Bill provides a narrow definition of what can be incorporated and the type of institution that can use the term "university" outside the State. The Government's amendment seeks to ensure greater clarity in order that the description cannot be used inside the State. Senator Averil Power asked why one would use one description inside the State and another outside it. It is specifically to address the issue of international education and the opportunities provided for the country. There is wide engagement by universities and institutes of technology outside the State and Europe on the huge opportunities presented. Also involved in that engagement, as pointed out by others, is the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland which it is intended will benefit from this legislation.

I will try to address the issue relating to Waterford Institute of Technology. The technological universities Bill will proceed separately from this legislation.