Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief because I am keen to move to the next grouping in which I have a number of amendments relating to equality. In response to the debate, I wish to correct two points that were made. First, it was suggested that the measures being put forward relate to governance and finance solely.The other suggestion is that any policies that might be relevant will be developed with the Higher Education Authority, or an t-údarás.

In this Bill, in sections 76, 119 and, I think, in another section, there are extremely strong powers in relation to policies that are not confined to the issues of finance or governance. In fact, there is a requirement by governing authorities to put in place measures to implement and report on compliance with the policies that may be set out in codes, guidelines or other documents, such as memos, circulars etc., of the Government or of a Minister of Government to the extent that those policies affect or relate to the functions of universities. Just to be very clear, there are measures in this Bill requiring governing authorities of universities to implement and be compliant with polices set out in codes, guidelines and other documents of the Government or a Minister. In that regard, it is quite a wide reach. It is not clear.

There will be opportunities when we come to debate sections 76, 119 and others where we have amendments where we seek to limit it so that it would be compliant with statutory requirements. I know there are amendments we may table, given the subject matter of this, which is the academic issue, and I am expecting there would be support from Government Senators for this, specifically to preclude that there would be any such requirement for compliance with any policies that relate to academic matters. Perhaps we can address those when we come to them in sections 76, 119 and others, but we need to be very clear these are not solely matters of governance and finance. There is quite wide language in terms of policy in this Bill in relation to the expectations on governing authorities of universities.

I am happy to leave it there because I do not want to talk longer. I want to get to the next grouping, which are important amendments around the issue of equality.