Politician(s) lobbied: James Lawless (Minister), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: To secure meaningful engagement on the design and implementation of the Learner Protection Fund, including consideration of existing QQI-approved learner protection arrangements and continuation of the HECA PEL Scheme, with greater transparency on policy development, insurance and administrative costs, SME and proportionality impacts, and a legally proportionate, evidence-based approach to learner protection policy.
Methods: MeetingEmail
Details by Method
Meeting
QQA Act 2019 - DFHERIS Stakeholder Engagement Process re Protection of Enrolled Learners - Follow up Meeting with DFHERIS members. Present Members of DFHERIS and HECA Board. Meeting was online.
Politician(s) lobbied: James Lawless (Minister), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: The engagement sought to demonstrate government interest in independent and private higher education research and to provide an opportunity for the Minister to engage with researchers and senior representatives on key research themes and sector priorities.
Methods: EmailPhone call
Politician(s) lobbied: Donna McGettigan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: The engagement aimed to foster constructive dialogue on current and future policy issues, enhance understanding of the private and independent higher education sector, and support ongoing engagement on the sector’s role and future policy vision.
Methods: Meeting
Politician(s) lobbied: William Beausang (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science
Intent: The engagement sought support to engage with Immigration Service Delivery within the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to identify urgent solutions and provide clarity and reassurance for affected students and higher education institutions.
Methods: Email
Politician(s) lobbied: James Lawless (Minister), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: The engagement sought ministerial support for a legislative amendment to enable the continuation of the HECA PEL Scheme to 31 August 2030, maintaining learner protection, confidence, and stability within the private and independent higher education sector, subject to ongoing oversight and reporting to QQI.
Methods: Email
Politician(s) lobbied: Keith Moynes (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science
Intent: The engagement sought to present HECA’s positions, clarify departmental policy intent and constraints, and support constructive, ongoing dialogue on legislative, funding, and regulatory frameworks impacting the private and independent higher education sector.
Methods: EmailMeeting
Politician(s) lobbied: Laura Harmon (Senator), Seanad
Intent: To secure a meeting with Senator Harmon, a member of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to present HECA, outline the sector’s role and concerns, and open constructive dialogue on future policy engagement.
Methods: EmailMeeting
Politician(s) lobbied: Maeve O'Connell (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: The aim was to provide insight into the position of private and independent higher education within the Irish higher education system, including areas of positive contribution and matters of concern, and to establish constructive engagement with the Vice Chair on future policy development and sector priorities.
Methods: Email
Politician(s) lobbied: William Beausang (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science
Intent: The aim was to secure Assistant Secretary Beausang’s participation on a conference panel, ensure policy perspectives inform panel discussion, and explore opportunities to support the development of teaching- and learning-informed research in the private and independent higher education sector through constructive engagement with government.
Methods: EmailEvent / ReceptionMeeting
Details by Method
Event / Reception
No description
Politician(s) lobbied: Keith Moynes (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science
Intent: Engage with DFHERIS to discuss challenges and solutions, ensure sector priorities align with national strategies, and highlight how private and independent HEIs can contribute to skills development, research, internationalisation, and effective and fair use of the National Training Fund.
Methods: Phone callEmail
