Technological Universities Bill
Deputy Byrne questioned whether the Technological Universities Bill still had Government backing and noted other promised education legislation. The Taoiseach said several Bills were progressing, but the universities Bill had been delayed by negotiations and many required amendments; the Education Minister said drafting would resume once the memorandum for Government was approved.
It appears that the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2017, which has been the subject of a great deal of discussion, is the only substantive legislation that the Government is offering before the summer recess. My party leader has outlined to the Taoiseach some legislation that is important to him. We have given a commitment to facilitate the passage of the Technological Universities Bill and the Education (Admissions to School) Bill 2016. Little or nothing has been said publicly about the Technological Universities Bill. I wonder whether it continues to have the approval of the Government at this stage. If not, why is that the case? Institutes of technology throughout the country are quite worried about the gap or lacuna that exists. There is uncertainty in this sector as a result. I do not think the Government is doing anything to address that. We are ready and willing to pass legislation if the Government brings it forward.
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A number of other Bills are going through the Oireachtas at present. For example, Order for Second Stage and Second Stage of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Bill 2017 will be taken this week. In addition, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, will have the social welfare reform Bill ready and we hope to get that through before the recess. We are working on getting the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 back into the Houses before the recess as well. Unfortunately-----
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I am worried that the Minister of State, who was doing quite a good job on that Bill, has been demoted.
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I left the Bill in the Seanad over a year ago and it has not moved from there since.
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The industry is cheering her demotion.
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I think it is time for progress to be made on it. The Technological Universities Bill has been delayed. Following negotiations with the TUI - the union that represents the lecturers - it seems that 70 or 80 amendments need to be made to the Bill as a consequence of the agreement that has been reached. I am not sure if the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, wants to add anything to what I have said.
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As I said to Deputy Thomas Byrne's party leader last week, we have a memorandum for Government. As soon as that is approved, we will proceed to drafting as quickly as possible.
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It is fascinating that a trade union has secured 80 amendments, particularly as Members of this House are often unable to secure any.