Irish in university appointments
The Leader responded to Senator Mullen’s point that Irish should be required for the NUI Galway presidency, noting that the university’s governing body appoints the president and that the Minister cannot be involved. He also congratulated the retiring UCC president, Dr. Michael Murphy, on an exemplary decade in office.
That is important.
Ba mhaith liom a rá leis an Seanadóir Mullen, cé nach bhfuil an Ghaeilge go flúirseach agam, gur mian liom mo chomhghairdeas a dhéanamh le Katherine Licken as ucht an post nua atá glactha aici sa Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta. Beidh an tAire Stáit, an Teachta Kyne, istigh linn ar an Déardaoin chun cúrsaí Gaeilge a phlé. The point made by the Senator about the use of the Irish language is one to which we all subscribe. If at all possible, we should be able to use and support the use of the Irish language. I am amused because if the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, had a hand in the appointment or reappointment of the president of NUIG, the Senator would accuse him of interfering in the appointment process.
Comment on this
It is about not the person but the requirement to have Irish in making the appointment.
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It is important to indicate that the Minister must stand far from the process. He cannot be involved in it.
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He could do what Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív did and introduce legislation.
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The Minister is responsible for the Department. As in any other university, the governing body of NUIG has the power to appoint its president. As a Corkman, I pay tribute to Dr. Michael Murphy who is retiring from his position as uachtarán of Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh. I wish him well and every success in his retirement. He has been an exemplary and extraordinary leader of the college for the past decade. Under his leadership, it has seen growth and expansion.