Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science
First Seen
21 May 2020
Last Seen
16 September 2026
Observed Titles
Assistant Secretary
Observed Public Bodies
Department of Education and SkillsDepartment of Further and Higher Education, Innovation and ScienceDepartment of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Current Oireachtas Committee Memberships
No current committee memberships matched for this official.
Intent: Support for the drafting of the General Scheme of the Bill “Technological Universities All Island University Group (Amendment) Bill 2026” and Pre-Legislative scrutiny by the Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Details: Correspondence and meetings regarding the strategic partnership between Queens University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology and enabling legislation requirements
Intent: Discussion on department financial support pending completion of discussions with SETU on proposed integration in line with the College's future strategic positioning.
Communication to and from Gov Ministers and department regarding the College's Strategic Positioning and requesting support for the proposed integration with SETU. - LetterMeetings to progress proposed integration with SETU. Additional interim/transitional funding also requested. - Meeting
Intent: Expansion of SUSI maintenance grant coverage on part time and online programmes
Details: Email enquiring about whether looking at expansion of SUSI maintenance grant coverage to students on part time and online programmes could be looked at as part of Budget 2028
Intent: Support for the drafting relevant legislation necessary for the strategic partnership
Details: Meetings regarding the strategic partnership between Queens University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology and enabling legislation requirements
Intent: 1. Improved immigration procedures for international university students; 2. Alternative DFHERIS speaker at event. 3. providing suitable evidence and case studies to support improved immigration procedures for international university students
Details: 1. Clarity re Minister's media interview 2. Minister unable to attend IUA MicroCreds capstone event, and need to find alternative; 3.preparing document to assist DFHERIS with inter-departmental meetings
Intent: Discussion on department financial support pending completion of discussions with SETU on proposed integration in line with the College's future strategic positioning.
Communication to and from Gov Ministers and department regarding the College's Strategic Positioning and requesting support for the proposed integration with SETU. - LetterMeetings to progress proposed integration with SETU. Additional interim/transitional funding also requested. - Meeting
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.
Details: HECA requested and subsequently held a meeting with DFHERIS on 20 October 2025 to discuss policy and legislative issues affecting the private and independent higher education sector. Topics included learner protection arrangements, the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, delegated authorit, ...
Intent: To inform policymakers of the economic, educational and reputational impact of policy decisions affecting the English Language Education sector; to seek constructive engagement and consultation with the sector on proposed policy changes; and to advocate for proportionate, evidence-based approaches that support Ireland’s position as a welcoming destination for international students.
Details: Engagement with Government departments and public officials regarding policy and regulatory matters affecting the English Language Education (ELE) sector in Ireland, including immigration and student visa policy, international education strategy, sector sustainability, and the implementation and cos, ...
Meetings focused on:Changes to immigration and financial requirements for international students and the implications for the English Language Education sectorThe implementation, governance and cost structure of the TrustEd Ireland accreditation schemeThe economic contribution of English Language Education to Ireland, including regional employment and tourism benefitsThe importance of consultation with the sector in the development of international education and immigration policy - Meeting
