Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will conclude on this. A key concern is that the Bill provides for "at least one and not more than 2" students on the governing board of a technological university. What about where we have three campuses? For example, there may be a campus in Galway, Sligo and Mayo. It is important that a student from each institute of technology feeding into the process would be part of the governing body and feeding into the governance. That is a key concern.

My final point is that institutes of technology which do not opt for a merger or for the technological university route must be assured that they will be given resources and supported. The Minister of State has emphasised that this is a choice for institutes to make but it is important to recognise that they will still play an essential role in and be part of the places in which they are located. I look forward to Committee Stage and to engaging further with the Minister of State.