Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
458. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which his Department continuously evaluates the performance of third and fourth level education with a view to identifying the greatest possible opportunities and the minimisation of any weaknesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59057/21]
View answerThe National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 sets out the long-term vision for higher education. It recognises that a diverse range of strong, autonomous higher education institutions is essential if the overall system is to respond effectively to evolving and unpredictable economic and societal needs. It also recognises that funding and operational autonomy must be matched by a corresponding level of accountability for performance against clearly articulated expectations.
Arising from recommendations in the National Strategy, the first System Performance Framework 2014-2016 was developed. This was followed by the second System Performance Framework 2018-2020, which articulates the Minister’s key objectives for the higher education system.
The framework forms the basis for the development and agreement of performance compacts between each higher education institution (HEI) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), via a process of strategic dialogue. HEIs are required to report annually to the HEA on their progress and performance towards targets set out in the compacts.
The most recent round of Strategic Dialogue was conducted by the HEA in June-July 2021 and feedback reports will issue to HEIs in the coming weeks. The HEA compiles and publishes a regular System Performance Report, which includes overall key system findings on higher education system performance and impact, and is submitted to the Minister. The HEA intends to compile a report covering the lifetime of the current System Performance Framework when the current cycle has concluded.
Since the publication of the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the strategic policy context for the System Performance Framework has continued to evolve, including recent significant changes in the higher education landscape. The publication of the Statement of Strategy by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science earlier this year sets out the priorities of the new department for the period 2021-2023 and includes a commitment to deliver a revised system performance framework for Higher Education, which reflects national goals and priorities.
As the Deputy is aware, there is new legislation to be published aimed at reforming and modernising governance of the Higher Education sector, via the Higher Education Authority Bill and the development of the next System Performance Framework will await the publication of that legislation.
Further details on the System Performance Framework are available at: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/managing-performance/system-performance-framework/
