Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 476: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the conditions that must be met to allow for the alteration of university statutes, in cases in which such alteration might have an implication for public service retirement age; if consent for any such alteration must be received from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14344/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Universities Act 1997 provides for a mechanism for amendment of statutes relating to superannuation schemes. That process involves a proposal for amendment from the governing body which, before it can be effective, the Higher Education Authority must approve with my consent and the consent of the Minister for Finance.

In considering whether to give approval or consent, due regard must be had to the conditions of service, including those which relate to retirement age, which prevail within the public service.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application for the extension of tenure in respect of a position at a university (details supplied); if so, if she has considered such application; if a recommendation for such extension has been issued by the governing body of the institute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14346/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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On 22 April 2004, the secretary of the Higher Education Authority wrote to the Ministers for Finance and Education and Science seeking their consent to an amendment by way of statute to University College Cork's superannuation scheme. This would have allowed for an extension of the term of office of the president of that institution. On 4 November 2004, the Minister for Finance advised that he was not in a position to approve the proposal as presented, and the matter was remitted to the Higher Education Authority for consideration.

I understand that on 9 March 2005, the governing body of University College Cork submitted a revised statute to the Higher Education Authority. My consent has not as yet been sought to any further proposal in the matter.