Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
676. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be taken to improve the protection of students' and postgraduate researchers' right and freedom to protest in a peaceful manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21590/24]
View answer677. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be taken to condemn Trinity College Dublin's threats of disciplinary hearings, fines and expulsion to individual members of the democratically elected TCD Students' Union and Postgraduate Workers' Organisation, and a €214,000 fine issued to the TCD Students' Union, in response to peaceful student protests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21591/24]
View answer678. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to clarify the future measures that will be taken to protect individuals within a students' or researchers' union from being singled out or targeted by senior staff with disciplinary threats in response to action taken by the union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21592/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 676 to 678, inclusive, together.
Students, staff and researchers of higher education institutions have the right and freedom to protest in a peaceful manner once it is in accordance with the rule of law.
As autonomous bodies, higher education institutions are responsible for the day-to-day management and operational affairs of their institutions, this includes their responsibility to adhere to their own policies and rules. Such policies include the institution's Dignity and Respect policy, which aims to support a respectful work and study environment free from bullying and harassment, where staff, students and other community members are treated with dignity and respect.
I believe that both institutional autonomy and academic freedom are pillars of a democratic society, and it is important they are respected and protected by all parties. As Minister it would not be appropriate for me to try to limit or undermine this autonomy.I would also note that the recent protest on the Trinity College Dublin campus ended on 8 May following successful talks between the university’s senior management and protesters.
