NUI Dissolution and University Seats
The Minister said the NUI’s constitutional status makes its dissolution legally difficult; he opposed abolishing university seats. Recognised colleges would cease to be recognised by the NUI and would seemingly need recognition by a new independent university, while the Minister had not yet received the Attorney General’s advice.
Will the dissolution of the National University of Ireland mean the abolition of university seats?
Comment on this
That is the crux of the matter. We would have no constitutional problem at all were it not for the fact that the National University of Ireland is written into the Constitution. We have to solve that problem and its solution will take the best legal wits we have.
Comment on this
No, the Minister is not in favour of abolishing seats. This is an interesting question but it is one we could discuss in the club, not here.
Comment on this
Could the Minister indicate the position of recognised colleges of the NUI which will pertain?
Comment on this
The recognised colleges, being recognised colleges, will have to go if the NUI goes, naturally, and then other regulations will have to be made.
Comment on this
What does the Minister mean when he says they will have to go? Will they not be recognised as universities or will they be independent universities?
Comment on this
It would seem to me they would have to be recognised by one of the new independent universities.
Comment on this
Has the Minister received the Attorney General's advice on the constitutional issue yet?