Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment.

I do not need to repeat everything that Senator Barrett said but we had a very good debate here previously. We understood that we were being listened to and heard and that attention would be given to the cases made. To come back on Report Stage with absolutely nothing seems strange. It is not the aim of this House to just be a talking shop and not achieve something. Senator Barrett touched upon instances which I am aware have occurred in the past, usually in the US, but I am sure it happens in many other places, where degrees or doctorates have been awarded to people in return for a sum of money, which may be only $100 or $200. These are institutions we would not know, some of which have very unusual names and some of which have very prestigious names. People are able to claim that they have a doctorate from those colleges.

We brought this up before and I would like the Minister to put my mind at rest. My concern is that by not mentioning the Royal College of Surgeons, there is a danger that we are opening the door to allow institutions in other parts of the world to establish themselves as Irish universities and to be able to offer these so-called qualifications without coming near Ireland. Senator Barrett has explained that very well so I will not repeat what he said. In particular, I will not repeat the cases made on Second and Committee Stages. The case is well made. I would like to hear the Minister say that she has thought this one through and that the reason for coming to Report Stage is to make sure that we have an opportunity to have another look at something like this. I believe it is worthy of consideration.