Minister 'concerned' about Young Fine Gael's difficulty in re-establishing branch at UCC

It comes as the executive refuses to allow new political societies to be formed

James Lawless said: 'What matters is a democratic system allows all voices to be heard. I would certainly hope the college authorities will expedite whatever review they're doing.' Photo: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

The higher education minister has said he is "concerned" to hear the Young Fine Gael branch at University College Cork (UCC) has been unable to re-establish itself as a recognised society on campus.

The Irish Examiner on Wednesday reported that the party's youth branch accused UCC of “attempting to suppress political expression on campus” by refusing to allow new political societies to be formed.

A spokesman for UCC said its societies executive "remains committed to transparent, democratic decision-making and assures students that there is no intention to limit or restrict political expression on campus".

It is currently undertaking a review to ensure all societies meet existing university policies and national legislation, including the Charities Act.

"This work is in line with similar reviews being conducted across the higher education sector. During this review, no new society applications can be taken. This process is ongoing, and no final decision has been made."

At Government Buildings, James Lawless said he was "concerned" to hear of the delay.

"I don't know what the rules are of the college, so I can't really talk to the specifics of that, but what I will say is I'm a strong believer in democracy, and I'm a strong believer in every voice being heard. Whether we agree or disagree is immaterial. 

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"I believe in free speech. I believe in freedom of expression. It's a hallmark of a democratic society that all voices can be heard and are given a platform.

"What matters is a democratic system allows all voices to be heard. I would certainly hope the college authorities will expedite whatever review they're doing."

Mr Lawless was speaking as he announced a major new partnership that will establish Dundalk Institute of Technology as a university college of Queen’s University Belfast.