Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan. I am delighted that she is engaging with what has to be described as a very interesting and innovative Bill from Senator Sean D. Barrett. He used the word “innovation” in his contribution and referred to the need for it. This legislation is certainly an innovation. With his expertise, not only in matters of economics but also in education having worked in Trinity College Dublin for decades, he sees the flaws in the university system and where matters can be improved. He is in the fortunate position where he can bring forward legislation to improve the system. Senator John Crown's contribution in the areas of health and education also provides a useful perspective. The Seanad is very fortunate that this legislation is being sponsored and supported by two Members with a wealth of experience.

Ireland has traditionally been known as the island of saints and scholars. While the education system is very good, there is always room for improvement. During the Celtic tiger days, as Senator Sean D. Barrett mentioned, pension schemes had to be bailed out because of their size. Senior academics at the higher end of the scale, particularly university presidents, have an enormous suite of benefits above and beyond what they deserve. This issue needs to be addressed because it dilutes public confidence in third level institutions, particularly when one sees the presidents of institutions on hundreds of thousands of euro a year, with the suite of perks that they receive. In some cases, they have their own residence on the university campus. We need to set principles and improve practices.

That is one element of an overall change in approach to this problem that is needed at university level. Innovation and fostering entrepreneurship are only at incubation stage in universities which need to be forward-thinking in this regard. It is certainly concerning when one sees MBA, master of business administration, programmes in Irish universities sliding down the scale of international rankings. That is a pity when we really should be in the top 30 internationally in providing MBA programmes. Undertaking an MBA programme in this country is expensive enough. Accordingly, we need to ensure such programmes are world-class and equip people to take on leading roles in world economics and business. We are capable of achieving this.

The role of business and partnerships with third level institutions needs to be developed significantly. There are examples of where entrepreneurs have donated significant sums of money for buildings to third level institutions such as the O’Reilly Hall in University College Dublin. The Minister's constituency predecessor, Jim Kemmy, had a business centre named after him at University of Limerick. He would probably have preferred to see the money go somewhere else as he was a socialist through and through. Some people are willing to part with significant sums of money to enter into partnerships with universities. As opposed to just having their names on buildings, I hope entrepreneurs will put the money into courses and equip those taking them.

The top ten information technology companies in the world have their European headquarters in Ireland. Much more could be done with third level institutions and universities in engaging with these companies.

I look forward to the Bill going through the House. I am sure the Minister has suggestions on it, too. Senator Sean D. Barrett has used his fantastic expertise and included his ideas in the legislation. The Minister would be sensible to incorporate them in future legislation in this area.