MS Breathnach rejected demands for a statutory consultative role for governing bodies of universities. The Minister, on the report stage of the Universities Bill, said it would be inappropriate to put the existing informal contacts between the Department and the universities on a level that could frustrate the wishes of the Oireachtas. The universities wanted the Bill implemented and the informal contacts would continue.

Ms Helen Keogh (PD, Dun Laoghaire) said changes should be made in open consultation with the governing bodies and that should be provided for in the Bill. Mr Micheal Martin, Fianna Fail spokesman on education, said there was a lot of talk about partnership and this was an instance where it could be put into effect. There were pleas from Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats for recognition to be given to the Irish language. Ms Keogh said the universities should be encouraged to provide courses to degree level in Irish.

Ms Breathnach said the need to promote the language was included in the Bill but if she went any further it would be seen as intrusion into the academic freedom of the universities.

The Bill, which was passed, restructures the administration of the universities.