gov - Submit your ideas on the Statement of Strategy of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has today launched a consultation on the development of the department’s second Statement of Strategy.

The Statement of Strategy for 2023 to 2025 will set out how the department does its work over the next three years, and what its guiding principles will be.

This strategy will build on the 2021 to 2023 strategy. This has seen extensive progress since the establishment of the department, including:

implementing the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021 to 2025, which saw a record number of people register for apprenticeships
establishing 4 out of 5 new technological universities
Funding the Future – putting higher education onto a pathway for sustainable funding
the Higher Education Authority Act, 2022 – the most comprehensive reform of governance of higher education institutions and the HEA in 50 years and the foundation for a statutory Tertiary Education Strategy
Impact 2030 – Ireland’s new Research and Innovation Strategy
Adult Literacy for Life – the 10 Year Adult Literacy Strategy
the National Access Plan 2022 to 2028 and the Review of Student Support Schemes, which has increased Student Grants rates and resulted in a major expansion of the numbers eligible for support

As the department responsible for further education and training, higher education, and research sectors, significant progress has been made in the development of a policy to progress a more unified tertiary education system, a more joined-up system capable of responding to the changing needs of learners, of industry, and of wider society in a cohesive and sustainable way. This more unified approach is now firmly embedded across many key departmental polices.

Commenting, Minister Harris said:

“This department has engaged in many exciting projects to transform further and higher education, to advance Ireland’s research and innovation agenda and to foster and support greater collaboration between these sectors for the good of learners, industry and wider society. My department is helping our economy and our people prepare for the challenges of the future.

“In order to make sure that we are able to work for the whole of society, we also want to ensure that we give everyone an opportunity to give us the benefit of your experiences. I would strongly encourage anyone out there with an interest in social inclusion, education, science, or innovation to speak up and help us ensure that this is a department that works for you. We want to hear your thoughts."

Minister Collins added:

“This department is working hard to ensure our people have the skills they will need for the future and that those skills can be provided by a tertiary system that supports all ambitions and educational journeys. The department is equally interested in improving the opportunities for vulnerable groups in society through support and funding.

"Please take advantage of this opportunity to share your thoughts on what you would like to see the department focus on over the next three years."

Get more information and submit your contribution. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 5pm on 29 March 2023.

Submit your ideas on the Statement of Strategy of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science - Ministers Harris and Collins

Part of

Policies