Written answer
Further and Higher Education
291. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the universities or third level colleges that are under investigation for any matters of concern, including investigations relating to financial irregularities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37195/24]
Comment on this
Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Under the terms of these Acts, the governance and performance of these institutions are matters for which the Governing Bodies and the management of the relevant institutions are responsible. Presidents of higher education institutions, as the Accountable Person for the institutions, are accountable to the Oireachtas in respect of the expenditure of their funding.
Under Section 64 of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (HEA Act 2022), the CEO of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) may, if there are significant concerns about governance, performance of functions, or compliance by a designated institution with its obligations, request the governing body of a designated institution of higher education to undertake a review.
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the University of Limerick (UL) are currently subject to ongoing statutory processes under Section 64 of the HEA Act 2022. The final reports from both institutions are expected in the coming weeks. I am in ongoing communication with the HEA regarding these reviews and I await the outcome of the review processes.
Earlier in 2024, University College Cork (UCC) was subject to a section 64 review. Following a determination by the CEO of the HEA under section 66 of the HEA Act 2022, UCC’s governing board is now implementing an agreed action plan to address the identified issues.
It is important to note that the HEA and my Department maintain ongoing, robust oversight of the higher education institutions. Any investigations are carried out in accordance with established procedures, and the HEA and the Department work to ensure transparency and accountability within the higher education sector.