Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House today to discuss this important Bill. I have a keen interest in it. I served in the previous education committee when this legislation was mooted. I also served on the governing bodies of both a former institute of technology and the University of Limerick, so I have had a great interest in this area.

I welcome the fact that the Minister is amending the Housing Finance Agency Act 1981 to allow educational institutions to take out loans and build their own student accommodation. This has been a major problem for a long time and it is welcome to see this included in the legislation. I am aware that one or two of the ITs approached the Minister or had engagement with the Department regarding their ideas on this. Certainly, in Limerick there is the University of Limerick and Mary Immaculate College. as well as a college of higher education, so there is a huge student cohort. A shortage of student accommodation has been a major issue for a long time.

I also welcome that the Minister is awarding payment of bursaries and scholarships to students to facilitate persons who are educationally disadvantaged. That is very important, particularly in the context of lifelong learning where people from all walks of life are being encouraged to go forward. While I realise the Minister has developed the apprenticeship side of things, many people are now going on from apprenticeships to complete a degree and to go on further. That is to be commended.

There are a few issues, some of which have been raised already. In terms of getting approval, sometimes it went back to the chair of the HEA but I believe it should require the approval of a number of board members or even the full board. One of the Senators pointed to the importance of Zoom now and the fact that one can organise a meeting online quite quickly, whereas in the past it would have been necessary to bring the board together. Many things can happen online now and I believe it should not just rest with one person and that a number of people having the power to make approvals should be considered.

Regarding compliance with guidelines, codes and policies, I understand that due to different things that happened in the past, there is alleviation there where perhaps financial penalties can be applied to somebody who steps out of line.There has to be a balanced approach as well. I would just put that on record.

In terms of the appeals process, I note in the legislation that the Minister is proposing a team of three. I would like him to consider somebody who has international experience. I know that it has happened in other countries that they have brought in people with a particular level of expertise. That has added to proper engagement and to bringing in different perspectives. This is something that the Minister could look at. Limerick College of Art and Design is part of Tús and, because art is such an international experience, they bring in many experts from outside of Ireland, as well as drawing from our own level of expertise. It a matter of sharing resources and sharing thoughts. Having that international experience brings a different and more balanced perspective.

If the Minister is going to set up an appeals board, I would like to see someone on it who would have that area of expertise. Overall, I welcome this legislation. It has been crying out for amendment. It has been 50 years since it was amended and much has happened in that time. Our education system has changed so much. I know about the passion, determination and the drive not only of the Minister, but of his staff in the Department. I commend all on the legislation coming forward and look forward to working with the Minister on this in the future.