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
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Engagement with DFHERIS/Minister for FHERIS regarding the proposed Learner Protection Fund and transition from existing QQI-approved Protection of Enrolled Learner arrangements. HECA raised concerns regarding proportionality
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SME impacts
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consultation
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insurance and administrative costs
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academic bonding
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the Grant Thornton Report
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and the evidence base for the proposed approach.
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
Details by Method
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A request was made for the Minister to attend the HECA Research Conference 2025
Method not specified
hosted by the Higher Education Colleges Association. The conference brings together researchers
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institutions
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students
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industry
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and policymakers to showcase research activity across Ireland’s independent and private higher education sector.
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
Details by Method
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HECA met with a member of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education
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Research
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Innovation and Science to present HECA and outline the role of the private and independent higher education sector
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including key concerns and the legislative and regulatory frameworks affecting institutions.
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
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with IUA
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CHoICE
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RCSI and ICOS
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raised concerns with Assistant Secretary William Beausang regarding urgent difficulties faced by international students in securing immigration registration appointments. The issue is causing significant stress for students
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disrupting academic programmes
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and posing reputational risks to Ireland as a higher education destination.
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
Details by Method
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HECA submitted a request to the Minister seeking an amendment to Section 65A of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 to allow the Minister to appoint a later cessation date for the HECA Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) Scheme
Method not specified
which is due to expire on 31 August 2027 under current legislation.
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
Details by Method
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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
Method not specified
the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025
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delegated authority and designation
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student funding
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regulatory burden
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and international student matters.
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
Details by Method
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Introduction of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
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representing private and independent HEIs that educate over 10% of higher education learners across diverse disciplines up to NFQ Level 9
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and raising awareness of the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s tertiary education system.
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
Details by Method
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HECA followed up on an invitation from the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education
Method not specified
Research
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Innovation and Science to arrange a meeting to outline the role of the sector in the Irish higher education sector and discuss policy and regulatory issues affecting private and independent higher education institutions.
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
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HECA requested that Assistant Secretary William Beausang participate as a panellist at the HECA Research Conference 2025 and met with him to discuss the potential for teaching- and learning-informed research development within the private and independent higher education sector. The conference brings together researchers
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institutions
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industry and policymakers to examine research activity and collaboration across the sector.
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
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HECA seeks to outline higher education issues of concern and explore possible solutions
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while highlighting the role and potential of the private and independent sector. Key areas include skills
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societal needs
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international students
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applied research
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legislative issues
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and the National Training Fund.
