David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know, but if it is not recognised it is in limbo. The first amendment, No. 3, would substitute the following language: "means an autonomous body governed by students which promotes and represents the interests of students, both individual and collective". That is so vague. It means the authorities would have to recognise any group, however extraordinary, that sets itself up as long as it is an autonomous body governed by students and one that promotes and represents the interests of students. It is not stated that the body has to be representative or have anything to do with the majority of students involved. It could represent a minority. Any group could claim to promote and represent the interests of students.

Amendment No. 4 gives exactly what the Government has included. It is more or less identical to the amendment of the Government, with a little bit of expansion. It would substitute the wording: "means an autonomous body governed by students and recognised by the institute or technological university which promotes and represents the interests of students, both individual and collective". That is pretty well what is in the Government's amendment.