Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
882. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the National College of Ireland achieving full Higher Education Authority designation status. [51020/26]
View answerAs the designation by order provisions under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 have yet to be commenced, it is not possible for institutions such as the National College of Ireland to seek designation under this process at this point in time.
Work is ongoing within my Department to develop the policy and supporting framework required to underpin the designation by order 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, including the National College of Ireland, 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.
My 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.
Once the relevant provisions of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 have been commenced and the necessary regulations are in place, it will be open to the National College of Ireland to apply for designation by order. Any application will be considered in accordance with the statutory process and the conditions prescribed under the Act.
