Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
611. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to ensure the roll-out of a sexual violence response programme (details supplied) to all third level educational institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23146/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant progress has been made regarding the Framework for Consent in Higher Education since it was first launched in 2019. The Framework aims to ensure the creation of an institutional campus culture which is safe, respectful and supportive.
In 2019, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) awarded €350,000 in performance funding in recognition of the impact of the programme alluded to by the Deputy. The programme was developed to tackle issues of sexual and relationship violence, by educating and empowering students to support the development of a visible institutional pro-social culture which stands against unacceptable behaviour and abuse and fostering a culture of positivity and support. The programme highlights the danger of normalising abusive behaviour, and cultivates an understanding of someone's capacity to intervene. The programme provides students with a safe environment to better understand appropriate social interactions and to identify unacceptable behaviour, ensuring an understanding of the importance and meaning of consent, but also more broadly, personal assertiveness and social responsibility.
Since the expansion of its remit in August 2020, the HEA’s Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has worked with the Programme to ensure the national roll-out of this training. National reporting on the Framework for Consent in Irish HEIs in November 2021 showed that a majority of HEIs had engaged with the programme and were offering or intended to offer this training. This year the HEA will support a project that will make the online programme available to all publicly funded higher education institutions on a pilot basis.
In addition, funding of €11,996 was awarded by the Irish Research Council under Strand 1a for the intervention at second level - educating and empowering our young people to speak up and demand a zero tolerance approach to all forms of sexual harassment and violence.
I will continue to lead the way on institutional change, championing the changes required to achieve a cultural norm where bullying and sexual harassment are not tolerated.
