Vol. 465 No. 3
64 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education whether consultations have been completed between officials in her Department and the universities in relation to university legislation; if so, the result of these consultations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9583/96]
As the Deputy is aware, there has been extensive consultation with the universities, and indeed a variety of other concerned interests, in relation to the proposed university legislation. A dialogue has been under way with the heads of the universities, in their personal capacities, since last summer. A position paper on university legislation was published in November 1995 which set out my intentions in relation to university legislation. All the responses provided have received careful consideration and have been very helpful in the preparation of the draft heads of legislation. The Government has now approved the draft heads and the parliamentary draftsman is preparing a Bill.
There are continuing contacts between officials of my Department and the universities in relation to this particular important policy development for higher education. The consultative approach adopted to the preparation of this legislation has been particularly fruitful and productive and I am confident that this will be reflected in the Bill when published. At that stage, of course, all the concerned interests will have a further opportunity to make their views known as the legislation is processed through the Oireachtas.
