Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are a range of amendments. Where the composition of these governing bodies is concerned, it is important that students be included and that the student voice be heard. It has traditionally been a closed shop to students. Senator Higgins referred to the principle of nothing with us without us. It is true that the student voice needs to be heard. It is important that students' unions play a key part within our university bodies. There is always a healthy tension in trying to achieve a students' union's objectives, working through negotiation with the colleges.

When this new legislation is in place, it will be a joyous day. It will be landmark legislation for the third level sector. The Minister is examining other legislation, which he referenced yesterday, but having the students' voices heard within the governing body is crucial. When considering a governing body's composition, it is crucial that it work well together to achieve excellence for that technological university or traditional university. We have a new and competitive landscape and the people on the governing bodies need to be of a standard to compete at that level.