Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the indication that the Minister of State would like to see competency in the field of student representation as one of the competencies to be considered. I also note her recognition that there may be a role on committees to be established by a governing body for student representatives or additional student representatives, particularly in dealing with issues that have a direct impact on students. Nonetheless, we still have the core concern on the question of whether there is adequate representation not just of students but also of those with expertise on the governing body. What we have brought forward would not simply be a back door to provide for more student representatives. It would ensure there would be somebody who could bring competency and experience in the area of student representation. One of the arguments in favour of it has been enunciated clearly by the Minister of State. She has pointed out that a student who becomes a member of the governing body can only serve for one year, a period which may be renewed for a further year. Other members of the governing body can serve for two years in a period not exceeding four years and may serve two consecutive terms. We have a situation where the student representatives will, by their very nature, never have more than two years' experience. They will always be rotating. Because of this, they will be somewhat disadvantaged within the governing body. Any of us who has sat on a governing board - I have done so in other contexts - knows that there is a level of institutional memory.There is institutional memory and there is a concern that students with that short-term experience will not necessarily be in the same advantageous position as those who may have sat for four years on the governing body. We suggested that one of the external members of a governing board, who would bring those important competencies, should have deep experience of student representation so that the patterns, rather than the issues that arise from year to year, can be addressed. I thank the Minister of State for her positive suggestions but I am obliged to press the amendment.