Minister Harris welcomes Oireachtas approval of HEA Bill to reform higher education sector and modernise the role of the Higher Education Authority
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
- Foilsithe: 6 Deireadh Fómhair 2022
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 6 Deireadh Fómhair 2022
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today welcomed Oireachtas approval of the Higher Education Authority Bill 2022, which is a crucial part of the government's reform agenda for the higher education sector.
The Bill, which will mean each higher education institution retains primary responsibility for governance but also provides a clear accountability and reporting requirement to the Higher Education Authority, will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.
It will also promote and safeguard the interests of students and advance equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“This is a tremendous day for the higher education sector in Ireland as we drive forward with our goal of creating the best, and most modern, education system in Europe.
“Learners of all ages deserve a higher education system that is fair, equitable and accessible, and one that delivers value for money to the taxpayer.
“Present and future generations must be given the tools to compete with the best in the world, and with this Bill I firmly believe it is yet another step towards achieving that.
“It’s been over 50 years since any legislation has been enacted to modernise the HEA, but the higher education sector has transformed dramatically in that time and that’s why this Bill is so welcome.”
The HEA Bill will allow for:
- a strengthened Higher Education Authority including performance and governance frameworks for designated higher education institutions (HEIs)
- funding to higher education institutions by the HEA in accordance with conditions of funding and the right to apply remedial measures if there is non-compliance
- improved internal governance of universities, technological universities and institutes of technology
- the development of a Strategy for Tertiary Education by the Minister
- the safeguarding of the autonomy of HEIs, and no changes to legislative provisions surrounding academic freedoms
Under the HEA Bill, sectoral legislation will be amended to provide for 19 member governing bodies in universities, institutes of technology and technological universities comprised of the Chairperson, nine other external members; three students, Chief Officer and five other internal members.
Three of the external members will be nominated by the minister and seven of the external members will be appointed by the governing body and all will be appointed based on the competencies required on the governing body.
The bill will achieve the correct balance of institutional autonomy and accountability. It is noted that the Bill respects the academic freedom of the institutions.
The legislation includes functions for the HEA in planning, promoting, supporting and funding excellent research in the higher education system across all disciplines in accordance with national research policy.