Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
371. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there have been any communications between his Department and a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70789/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutions of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018, higher education institutions in Ireland have been afforded the status of autonomous bodies by the Oireachtas consistent with the key democratic principle of academic freedom.
As such, higher education institutions are academically independent and are responsible for regulating their own internal affairs, including decisions relating to research collaborations with external companies and institutions.
As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, it would not be appropriate for me to take any action that might limit or undermine, or be perceived to seek to limit or undermine, this autonomy which, along with the principle of academic freedom, are key pillars of a democratic society that must be respected and protected.
