Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have only a very brief point. My colleagues have provided me with a copy of the Universities Act 1997, which might be useful in respect of the question of Senator McDowell, who will be very familiar with the Act, and the question of Senator Mullen. I presume Senator Mullen is going to consider the matter more between now and Report Stage, as will I. In Chapter I of Part III of the Act, which concerns the objects and functions of a university, subsection 12(d) states the objects of a university shall include "to foster a capacity for independent critical thinking amongst its students". The idea of reading this legislation in consultation with the sectoral legislation is an important consideration for all of us. "Yes" is the short answer to Senator McDowell's question.

On my final point, I will go from memory. Deputy Ó Cathasaigh raised a point in the Dáil about transparency in regard to non-Exchequer funding, which is more to Senator Craughwell's point. We have a responsibility in terms of public funding. That is the role of the HEA. However, what about funding from non-Exchequer sources? It is entirely appropriate to receive funding from non-Exchequer sources, but what about transparency regarding where it comes from? I think that is what Senator Craughwell's point was about. I gave a written assurance to Deputy Ó Cathasaigh in the other House on the HEA being asked to work on codes and guidelines when this legislation passes. I will be happy to share that with Senators Craughwell, McDowell and Mullen in advance of Report Stage if that is useful to their thinking.