901. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on his Department's work in the development of the designation by order process. [27893/26]

The Department continues to progress work in relation to the development of the designation by order provisions under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022.

Work is ongoing within the Department to develop the policy and framework required to support these provisions, including consideration of the conditions under which designation may be granted.

This is a complex area of policy development with implications for institutions that may seek designation, particularly in the context of existing statutory and regulatory obligations. It requires engagement with relevant stakeholders across the sector, including the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), as well as careful consideration of how any designation by order process would operate within the existing regulatory framework.

The Department is considering how designation could support appropriate oversight arrangements within the higher education system, while ensuring that any such approach is necessary and proportionate.