James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comments. I want to use the opportunity to briefly respond to some of the comments made by Senator Gavan, not that I am specifically directing them at him because I know it is his party's position. First, I would put it to him that RCSI already has university status outside the country so this amendment has no bearing on that. Second, I would echo Senator Nash's point that there is no one in this House who would not condemn outright the human rights abuses that take place, not just in Bahrain but around the world. I would make the following point: one has a far better chance of influencing things when one is in a position of educational influence in a country than by being outside of it.

I want to address the substantive issue.Senators across the board, bar the members of Sinn Féin, are very supportive of this Bill. They have, as Senator Nash has said, a demand that it be solved here. I think that is only right and proper and if Report Stage has to be delayed until such an amendment is ready, then so be it. On that basis, I will withdraw the amendment but reserve the right to resubmit it on Report Stage.