University Status Review

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Questions (355)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

355. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills how a complaint can be made to him 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, to quote section 20(1) of the Universities Act 1997; the procedure according to which he will arrive at an opinion as to whether there are reasonable grounds for such a contention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

There are no specified procedures in relation to the way a complaint may be made to the Minister 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 Universities Act 1997 does not prescribe how the Minister should exercise his function under Section 20 to form an opinion regarding the grounds for such a contention. It would be a matter for the Minister to decide the procedure and process required in the particular circumstances to enable this function to be carried out.