David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very interesting to hear Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell state the technological universities could, if they wished, have five, two or no student representatives. This is precisely what we are fighting against. We do not want to have a scenario where there is no student representation and I believe the Minister of State agrees with me on that point. A previous speaker referred to what the Minister envisages. What the Minister envisages does not matter a damn. What matters is what is in the legislation.

I listened attentively to the Minister of State. However, as I was discussing the possibility of voting with my colleague and friend from the Fianna Fáil Party, I missed some of the emphasis in her contribution. I understand part of it addressed a circumstance in which there were student representatives on the board or governing authority of a university. I do not believe the legislation specifically provides that there must be a student representative on the academic council. If the Minister of State can direct me to a specific requirement in the Bill or concomitant legislation that students must be represented on the academic council, we will have won the point and the amendment will not be required because the provision will already be in legislation. Can the Minister of State point me to a clear requirement in the legislation to have student representation on the academic council? I am speaking from the Fianna Fáil front bench.