Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2025
283. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider introducing a statutory obligation for schools and third-level institutions to report suspected recruitment or coercive activity by ideological groups to the relevant authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17762/25]
View answer284. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has carried out any assessment of cult influence or high-control group activity within educational settings, particularly in relation to the recruitment of vulnerable students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17763/25]
View answer285. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will work with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to develop national guidelines for schools and universities to help staff identify signs of cult recruitment and coercive indoctrination on campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17767/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 283, 284 and 285 together.
As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science my sphere of responsibility extends only to publicly funded Further and Higher Educational Institutions and consequently I would advise the Deputy to seek a response regarding the other sectors to my respective Cabinet colleagues.
I note and share your concern regarding any coercive indoctrination of vulnerable members of our society. However, Higher Education Institutions are autonomous in matters of governance, including the regulation of activity on campus and in their stewardship of student wellbeing, and therefore my Department does not have a direct role in such matters.
I understand that the Union of Students in Ireland provide support to local student union bodies regarding rules and regulations for student societies and associations, and indeed I am aware that many student union bodies require adherence to a code of practice. Consequently I suggest that they may be better placed to offer such guidelines.
