Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
213. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has had engagement in relation to policies in HEIs that allow for students who have suffered sexual violence or harassment to be supported in the continuation of their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34399/26]
View answerNo student or staff member should experience sexual violence or harassment at work or in their place of study, accommodation, or anywhere on campus. Everyone should be able to study and work in a safe, respectful and supportive environment. The safety and wellbeing of every student and staff member in higher education is a fundamental priority for the Government, for my Department, and for me personally.
The Programme for Government is very clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a major national priority. I know that the Higher Education Authority has considerable expertise in this area and my Department provides key supports in the form of funding support and coordination on implementation. In that context, my Department works closely with the HEA and is supportive of their work, including the work of the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, who work with higher education institutions across the sector to ensure that a culture of respect and safety is nurtured.
The HEA leads the sector’s response through the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Framework, which was introduced in 2019. That Framework sets out clear expectations for institutions in relation to campus culture, policies, reporting procedures, prevention initiatives, and supports for students and staff.
While higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, my Department and the HEA continue to engage extensively with them regarding policies and supports for students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment, including measures to support students in continuing their studies safely and appropriately.
Important initiatives supported by my Department include the Speak Out anonymous reporting tool, the Active* Consent programme, the Bystander Intervention initiative, and 16 dedicated Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager posts across the sector.
In addition, the HEA is currently progressing a revised Framework following an expert review published in 2025, informed by extensive engagement with students, staff representatives, institutions and stakeholders across the sector.
