. The restructuring of the National University of Ireland. St Patrick's College, Maynooth, would become a university in its own right while the NUI colleges - UCD, UCC, UCG - would gain greater autonomy. They would be renamed National University of Ireland, Dublin, National University of Ireland, Cork, etc.
All parties are in favour of these proposals, which were first suggested by the universities.
. Broadening the composition of the governing bodies of the seven universities. This will provide for outside representation in all colleges for the first time.
Vehemently opposed by some colleges, particularly Trinity, when first mooted. But these proposals have been considerably diluted since last year, and are likely to be accepted now by the universities.
. Providing for greater "accountability and transparency" through a variety of controls over spending, borrowing and staffing.
