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Lobbying Records (Page 1 of 6)
2025-09-04
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: Email, Phone call
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | HECA seeks to outline higher education issues of concern and explore possible solutions |
| — | while highlighting the role and potential of the private and independent sector. Key areas include skills |
| — | societal needs |
| — | international students |
| — | applied research |
| — | legislative issues |
| — | and the National Training Fund. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: David Gilbride (Assistant Secretary), Department of Justice
Intent: Seek greater clarity on how visa policy is being applied to international students to help HEIs and agents align with expectations, improve planning, and support consistent outcomes. Request an opportunity to engage with officials to discuss the issue constructively and explore ways to safeguard Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming and competitive education destination.
Methods: Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | HECA has noted growing concern around increasing visa refusals for international students |
| — | with some countries more notable. Applicants who meet requirements are being refused on grounds not always clear to HEIs or agents. This trend risks creating uncertainty |
| — | reputational challenges |
| — | and could weaken Ireland’s image as an open and attractive higher education destination. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: Colm O'Reardon (Secretary General), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: Secure urgent action to: implement QQI delegated authority provisions; establish and publish a transparent, consultative designation process under the HEA Act 2022; and ensure timely enfranchisement of all graduates in line with constitutional obligations.
Methods: Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | Constitutional duties from Supreme Court rulings remain unmet |
| — | risking breach and exclusion of private/independent HEI graduates. Key issues: 1937 Act: Sections 6 & 7 unconstitutional; franchise non-compliant. Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Act 2024: Limits franchise to HEIs designated under the HEA Act 2022 |
| — | but no process exists. QQI Act 2012: Delegated authority not commenced. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: Laura Harmon (Senator), Seanad
Intent: To secure an introductory meeting with a member of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to present HECA, outline the sector’s role, and open constructive dialogue on future policy engagement.
Methods: Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | Introduction of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) |
| — | representing private and independent HEIs that educate over 10% of higher education learners across diverse disciplines up to NFQ Level 9 |
| — | and raising awareness of the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s tertiary education system. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: Donna McGettigan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: To secure an introductory meeting with a member of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to present HECA, outline the sector’s role, and open constructive dialogue on future policy engagement.
Methods: Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | Introduction of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) |
| — | representing private and independent HEIs that educate over 10% of higher education learners across diverse disciplines up to NFQ Level 9 |
| — | and raising awareness of the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s tertiary education system. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: Erin McGreehan (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Introduction and discussion with Chair to outline Ireland’s private and independent HE landscape and how legislation and policy affect students, staff, and HEIs. Focus on EDI, equitable access to supports, fair regulation and funding, proportionate quality assurance, and recognition of private and independent HEIs. Consider implications for skills responsiveness, legislation, student success, and Ireland’s international competitiveness.
Methods: Meeting, Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | Advocacy for urgent implementation of statutory provisions (QQI Act 2012 |
| — | HEA Act 2022 |
| — | Seanad Electoral Act 2024) |
| — | equitable learner protection and funding frameworks |
| — | inclusion in the National Training Fund |
| — | extension of SUSI supports |
| — | proportional regulation |
| — | streamlined quality assurance |
| — | and formal recognition of private/independent HEIs within Ireland’s tertiary education system. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: William Beausang (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science
Intent: Promote dialogue with DFHERIS to align sector priorities with policy, address challenges, and highlight contributions to skills, research, and internationalisation. Invite the Assistant Secretary to participate in the HECA Research Conference 2025 as a panelist, engaging with research on AI, education and wellbeing, and explore future directions for applied research to support national priorities.
Methods: Meeting
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | Promote dialogue with DFHERIS to align sector priorities with national policy |
| — | address challenges |
| — | and highlight contributions to skills |
| — | research |
| — | and internationalisation. Invite the Assistant Secretary to participate as a panelist in the HECA Research Conference 2025. |
2025-09-04
Politician(s) lobbied: James Lawless (Minister), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: Secure an introductory meeting with the Minister for FHERIS to address sector issues, highlight HECA’s role in skills and societal needs, and invite engagement with independent and private HEI research, including the HECA Research Conference 2025 and Student Research Awards. Aim to embed inclusive policymaking in higher education, skills, and international strategy that fully recognises both publicly funded and private/independent HEIs.
Methods: Email, Phone call
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | HECA |
| — | representing the majority of established private and independent HEIs |
| — | requests an introductory meeting with the Minister for FHERIS to discuss key issues affecting the sector |
| — | highlight our contribution to national skills and societal needs |
| — | and extend an invitation for the Minister to attend the HECA Research Conference 2025. |
2025-05-21
Politician(s) lobbied: Keith Moynes (Assistant Secretary), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: The intended result is equitable access to funding and support measures for all learners, and recognition of HECA / HECA member HEIs as a key stakeholder in higher education policy development.
Methods: Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | HECA seeks inclusion in consultations on the Future of Funding Options paper and the national disability support policy |
| — | specifically requesting consideration of targeted financial supports for disadvantaged students in HECA member HEIs addressing national skills needs. |
2025-05-21
Politician(s) lobbied: James Lawless (Minister), Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Intent: The intended outcome is to ensure HECA's engagement in shaping education policy, enhancing skills development, and contributing to Ireland’s international higher education strategy.
Methods: Email
Details & Methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| — | HECA requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss issues affecting independent and private higher education and seeks inclusion as a stakeholder in the proposed national education convention. |
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