asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the basis on which our universities operate at present; and whether she has any proposals for reform.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Reform of Universities.
12.
The National University of Ireland and its three constituent Colleges at Dublin, Cork and Galway operate under the Irish Universities Act, 1908, and the charters granted under that Act. The University of Dublin operates under its charter.
I have no proposals at present to alter the present arrangements.
Would the Minister accept that the NUI and the constituent colleges operate on the basis of a structure and constitution which is 80 years old and that the 1908 legislation, which was the product of a Westminster Parliament, was a reflection of a 19th century view of universities? Would she further accept that such structures are cumbersome and unrelated to the needs of modern society and that in view of all the changes which have taken place in the past 80 years in the social, political, economic, technological, religious and ecological areas these structures are totally out of date and need to be reviewed?
The Deputy will be aware that some 15 years ago there was a question of giving independent university status to the three constituent colleges of the NUI. Public debate eased off and there is no indication at present from the authorities that they wish to see their arrangements, as set up under the 1908 Act, reviewed or revised in any way.
I take the Minister's point that there is no pressure from the university authorities. I do not expect it from them. They are quite happy in their somnolence. Will the Minister accept that the procedures within the university and its constituent colleges for the appointment to top positions such as the presidency of UCC are totally anachronistic and that such positions should be widely advertised, with a modern management approach to such appointments? Most important, would the Minister accept that such appointment should carry with it, as a sine qua non, an independent assessment body?
Hear, hear.
I was wondering when we would get to the point; we have done so. I do not envisage that in time for the event the Deputy is presaging in his comments today there would be scope for such a comprehensive review as he outlined in his earlier questions. Universities, their charters, set-up, statutory arrangements and funding remain always a matter of consuming interest to everybody.
I had hoped that this would get the Minister's attention, but I am afraid it will not.
I have to tell you, a Cheann Comhairle, that I request to raise on the Adjournment the question of the closing down of wards at the Regional Hospital in Galway and the failure of the Minister for Health to appoint members from Galway Corporation to the Western Health Board.
I will communicate with the Deputy.