Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2006
164 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will appoint a visitor under the Universities Act 1997 to investigate allegations in relation to financial and operational matters in University College, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34102/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions for appointment of a visitor to a university are set out 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 that have been raised and I understand that the Chief Executive of the HEA is meeting the Chair and representatives of the Governing Body of UCC to discuss how they may be addressed. Once the Higher Education Authority has furnished me with a report, I will consider the matter further.
