University of Limerick chancellor impasse
Senator Dooley accepted the business, then raised the lack of a solution in law if the University of Limerick authority rejects a proposed chancellor. The Cathaoirleach intervened procedurally, and Dooley sought a debate with the Minister to address the gap.
I accept the business that has been set out by the Leader.
I wish to raise the following issue. A Chathaoirligh, you may have noticed from recent media reports that there is an impasse at the University of Limerick whereby the governing authority has failed to select the name put forward for appointment to chancellor, as set out in the legislation. However, while the legislation sets out the procedures to elect a chancellor, it does not seem to set out a strategy in the event of the governing authority not accepting via a two thirds majority the name that is put forward. I ask the Leader, if possible, to arrange a debate on this issue and perhaps bring the Minister here for discussion and debate.
I just wanted to raise that one issue. Senator O'Loughlin was going to lead off on behalf of our party. I will sit down and she will complete the contribution, if that is permissible-----
Comment on this
You may not do that, unfortunately. You may keep going. You have another minute and 45 seconds.
Comment on this
Then I ask the Leader to arrange a debate in the House with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to address what appears to be a lacuna at the moment that creates a difficulty for the ongoing operation of the university, since no chancellor is in place and the legislation, as I outlined, does not appear to have an inbuilt solution to address the matter. If we could have that debate at the earliest opportunity, I would be grateful.