David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not. The amendment broadens it out. This is the only place where the word "ethos" occurs. Ethos is the governing principle. It is the mission statement of a university. The other things concerned with respecting the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions and all that stuff, and promoting political free inquiry and so on are present. The only thing that talks about ethos is "promoting an entrepreneurial ethos". The whole range, direction and movement is towards entrepreneurship. It does not include creativity, autonomy, innovation or engaged citizenship. These things may be mentioned in other places in the Bill but this is the governing clause. It is where ethos comes in. It is important for that reason.

I had not thought about this but some of my colleagues have referred to the fact that, so far, no amendments have been accepted. It looks to me like the Government practice that I know of old, where at this Stage it will not accept any amendments because it is too much of a bother to send the Bill back to the Dáil. I wonder if that is what is happening because many of the amendments seem to me to be well-versed and to add to the Bill. The arguments are strong and some even come from the Government's side of the House. I would very much regret it if the Seanad was to be deprived of its function in amending legislation simply to expedite its passage through the Oireachtas.