Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she expects the HEA to report back to her on the issues in UCC raised by a person (details supplied); her views on the appointment of an independent person to inquire into the claims made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31762/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The appointment of a visitor to a university is outlined in Sections 19 and 20 of the Universities Act, 1997. It provides that "where the Minister is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for contending that the functions of a university are being performed in a manner which prima facie constitutes a breach of the laws, statutes or ordinances applicable to the university, the Minister may, after first advising the governing authority of his or her opinion and considering any explanation given in response, and with the concurrence of the Government, request the Visitor to the university to inquire into any matter giving rise to the Minister's opinion".

I have asked the Higher Education Authority for a report on the issues raised by this individual. Once the Higher Education Authority has furnished me with this report I will consider these matters further.