asked the Minister for Education if he will give details of the terms of reference of the working party established by him in connection with the introduction of new legislation on third level education.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Third Level Education.
2.
As indicated in my announcement of 23rd September, 1976, the terms of reference are simply to draft the heads of an Education Act.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether or not it is customary where there is a working party for that working party to invite or accept submissions from interested parties?
The question relates to the terms of reference of the committee, not to the position in relation to submissions.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary indicating that it would be outside the terms of reference of this working party that they should receive or invite submissions?
The terms of reference are simple and brief, to draft the heads of an Education Act. In fact, there is nothing stated in the terms of reference as to whether they should or should not receive submissions. As the Deputy is aware, the Minister is a member of the working group and will be in a position to bring before them any relevant representations he may receive.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary suggesting that the Minister is open to these suggestions or has requested them from interested parties?
I did not suggest that. If the Deputy was listening to what I said he would have heard that I did not indicate that. I said the Minister may, if he wishes, bring before the committee any factor he deems to be relevant. Individual members of the working party, whose names are known, can also make any contribution they deem to be relevant.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that this is one of the most important pieces of legislation contemplated in the last ten years? It seems extraordinary that a working party would not invite submissions or that the Minister would not indicate to them that if they are in earnest about their business they should invite submissions, especially from the technological area which has no representative at all on the working party.
Statements should be avoided.
The important fact is that the Minister, who is accountable in these matters, can receive representations from any quarter at any time and he is the chairman of the committee. Representations made to the Minister at any time can be put before the committee. Ultimately, the Minister will be taking responsibility for the legislation. This is merely a drafting committee advising him. The Minister can bring before the committee any representations he considers relevant. As the Minister is always open to representations the committee, through the Minister, are always open to representations.
I know that with the Minister all things are possible but on the other hand it must be accepted that the Minister does not comprehend everything connected with the committee and he should enjoy the assistance of people who are actively involved in this field. Has the Minister invited these submissions? Generally speaking, people are slow to make submissions unless it has been indicated to them that such submissions would be welcome.
It is well known that any Minister is open to representations at any time without the necessity of placing an advertisement in the Press, or something like that. The Deputy will also be aware that representations have been made for years about higher education by various bodies, and the Minister is now proceeding to decisions on the matter. Representations can be made to the Minister on any matter.
Have the headings been drafted?
They are being drafted.
Is it true to say they have been drafted?
It is correct to say they are being drafted.
Have the committee issued a final report?
No.
I understood they had.