Published April 26th, 2005 in Trinity News
The Government has responded to the report of the OECD on higher education in a way which may be anti-university. I do not mean just Dublin University, I mean all universities and institutes of technology.
I would like to have a full debate on what is being called an innovation fund for which universities would have to compete. This may be a very good idea but it would be a major culture shock for the universities of Ireland if they have to engage in such a process. It is no coincidence and I suppose it is motivated by the report which says that Irish universities are falling out of the top international league. Continue reading ‘Will the Government’s Plans Harm the Universities?’
Published April 22nd, 2005 in Aer Lingus and Aviation, Transport
It is staggering how long it has taken to make a simple decision about the second terminal at Dublin Airport. It is a defining issue for the Government. While it will not fall on the issue, deep ideological disagreements on the matter exist between the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, and between the two parties. They are paralysed. One wants to go hell for leather and place the second terminal in private hands and the other wants to do what Jack O’Connor and David Begg tell him to do. Those two objectives are absolutely irreconcilable, resulting in paralysis and delay. Continue reading ‘The Government is Paralysed Over Aer Lingus and the Second Terminal’
Published April 13th, 2005 in Transport, Westlink Bridge and M50
The Westlink Action Group met Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen on Tuesday 12 April. We put our arguments to Minister Cullen and pointed out that the Westlink problem is not going to go away. Cullen is shortly to receive a report from the NRA about the Westlink and we look forward to new developments when this is received.
Published April 13th, 2005 in Aer Lingus and Aviation, Transport
What has been happening at Dublin Airport with regard to the security breaches in the past two days? It is alarming that simulated bombs and other dangerous items got through security and could have been smuggled on to aeroplanes without apparent difficulty. The security at the airport is appalling.
The Minister should come to the House, not just to clarify that situation but also to open a wider debate on the second terminal, which is apparently paralysed for about the 20th time. We need him to come here or to the Dáil to inform us of what is happening. Continue reading ‘Security at Dublin Airport is Appalling’
