Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Senator described it, it is the situation in universities. Perhaps the appropriate solution is to look at how students' unions are treated and defined in the legislation on other universities. Students' unions within institutes of technology have a slightly different standing from those within universities. It is important in the process of creating new universities that students in the new universities are not at a disadvantage compared with students and students' unions in existing universities. The goal is the levelling of various procedures and standards in the constituting of new universities. One part of that is ensuring that the measures in respect of students' unions reflect the way they are recognised and treated in other universities. Autonomous does not mean unaccountable. We are trying to ensure the accountability is also to the students and the student body and acknowledges the mandate given by them through democratic elections. That is a core issue. I look forward to the Minister of State's response. We have put forward a number of options but we are happy to work with options the Minister of State might put forward. That was indicated by Senators across the House.