Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 15:

In page 7, line 19, to delete “a special interest or” and substitute “an international reputation and”.

I welcome the Minister back to the House.

The Bill states, "The chairperson and ordinary members of an Appeals Board shall be appointed by the Minister from among persons who have a special interest or expertise in, or knowledge of, matters relating to higher education." It is not enough to have a “special interest”, and that is why I have proposed the amendment to strengthen it. In deciding whether a place is a university or not, an international reputation is required. While I might have a special interest in medical matters, I am not equipped to say whether Senator Crown’s operation is of university standard. We must be more rigorous about this important decision.