Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
334. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to questions raised by an organisation at an Oireachtas Committee (details supplied) if further information will be provided. [49943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Framework ‘Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions’ (2019) sets out clear expectations that higher education institutions (HEIs) have robust, trauma-informed procedures in place to address complaints, including investigation processes. HEIs are autonomous bodies and are operationally responsible for the management of such investigations, including decisions regarding the use of external investigators.
In respect of the detailed questions submitted, I can advise the Deputy as follows:
(a)–(c) Expenditure, number, nature, and cost of investigations
The Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) do not centrally collect disaggregated data on expenditure incurred by HEIs in commissioning external investigations relating to sexual violence and harassment, nor on the average cost or cost drivers associated with such investigations. Similarly, while the HEA requests aggregated and anonymised data annually on formal reports and completed investigations under the Framework, this does not extend to detailed information on the number, nature, or resourcing model (including use of external providers) on an institution-by-institution basis. Such information is held at institutional level.
(d) Reliance on external providers
The extent to which HEIs rely on external investigators varies across the sector and is determined by individual institutional policies and capacity. While the use of external investigators can support independence and specialist expertise, the Department recognises that questions of sustainability, consistency, and cost-effectiveness arise and are a matter of ongoing consideration within the sector.
(e) Supports available to participants
The 2019 Framework recommends that institutions to provide appropriate supports to all parties involved in investigative processes, including reporting parties, respondents and witnesses. This includes access to information, representation where appropriate, and wellbeing supports. The Department and HEA continue to engage with institutions to promote best practice in the provision of such supports.
(f) Mechanisms for institutional and sectoral learning
Sectoral learning is supported through the HEA’s annual data collection, as well as through engagement structures such as the HEA Advisory Group on Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions, the ESVH Practitioner Network, collaborative initiatives, and the sharing of good practice across institutions. Ongoing work to support the sector to develop consistent investigation guidelines is also intended to strengthen learning and standardisation.
(g) Transparency, accountability, consistency, and value for money
The Framework and associated implementation structures promote transparency and accountability through the requirement for formal reporting and institutional oversight. However, given the decentralised nature of the system and the absence of detailed central data on costs and investigative models, the assessment of value for money and consistency across the sector continues to be an area of focus for the Department and the HEA in ongoing engagement with the sector.
(h) Feasibility of a shared national investigative resource
A feasibility study undertaken in 2023 under the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Implementation Plan (2022) examined the establishment of a shared service model for investigations of breaches of institutional policy. This study recommended the creation of a shared service entity to provide access to trained investigators across the sector. Further implementation work was undertaken in 2024 to develop design and operational options.
While an Expression of Interest process was launched in 2024 to progress this model, no applications were received. In light of this, the HEA has supported a collaborative sectoral initiative, led by the Technological University of the Shannon with partners across the sector, to develop trauma-informed investigation guidelines aimed at promoting greater consistency of practice for the participating HEIs. This work is ongoing.
