Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Students' unions are often the heart of our universities. Unfortunately, I was never part of one myself but people always reached out. In the past four or five years, I have seen students' unions being very inclusive of people from ethnic minority groups and trying their best to include them. We cannot have legislation that does not include all of the students' unions and that does not treat the 24 institutions highlighted in the Bill equally. We talk about empowering our young people and empowering women to go into politics. This can be a starting point for young people in giving them power, a voice and a say within our universities. I support my colleague, Senator Higgin's amendment No. 8. I hope the Minister will consider it because it is extremely important. It provides that voice, which can be a voice for all students within the university. It can also be a place for engagement and inclusion.