Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I voted against this Bill at an earlier Stage and find it regrettable that it has proceeded this far through the House. We should be very careful in our dealings with the academic institutions of this country. With negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership ongoing, we are opening the door to foreign institutions coming here. In addition, while I accept the Minister's bona fides with respect to the quality assurance of those institutions that will market their services outside this country, I am concerned that institutions which are registered in Europe and already meet the European criteria will not have to meet separate criteria in Ireland.

I welcome the Minister's indication that the Bill will come back to the House. I hope we get a chance to have another bite at this particular cherry. This is the wrong legislation at this time.