David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wonder whether the Minister of State would agree with me that it would be nonsense to have no student representative on the academic council. I am sure she would agree. As her expression has not changed, I will leave it to her to answer in her reply. I am assuming it would be regarded as nonsense, but if she has a different view, that is fine. All kinds of subject are discussed by the council, including courses and contentious examination results. Of course, students should be represented on it. It is absolute nonsense to have no representation.

As Senator Gerard P. Craughwell pointed out, the Bill refers to such number of students of the technological university as the body considers appropriate. As I am taking this at face value, I assume it means that the intention of the Minister of State is that there would be at least one student representative on the couincil. I do not believe the Bill is giving the authorities of the university an open licence to have no student representative, but that is one possible interpretation of the words used. It is perfectly clear that it could be interpreted in that way. Therefore, I do not see any reason the Minister of State should reject the amendment. I challenge her to come up with a decent one.