Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2022
159. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to encourage ethnic, religious and socio-economic diversity among students of psychology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25365/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for their question.
Diversity is a key strength of Irish higher education. In recent decades our universities, institutes of technology, and colleges have been transformed, from predominantly national institutions catering primarily for school-leavers, to internationally oriented institutions engaged with an increasingly diverse student body, of all ages, backgrounds and gender identities.
The current higher education legislation requires institutions to promote gender-balance among students and staff, and for the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to promote the attainment of equality of opportunity. The new HEA legislation will advance this agenda by requiring the HEA to advance equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in higher education. Higher education institutions will also be required to prepare an equality statement setting out their policy regarding access and equality, including gender equality.
With regard to the Deputy’s specific question, the ethnic, religious and socio-economic diversity within any particular higher education course is not determined by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The student mix on any course is determined by issues such as: individual student choices; number of places; entry requirements; job prospects upon completion; and other such factors. It is not practical nor appropriate for any individual HEI to set predetermined criteria regarding the ethnic, religious and socio-economic diversity.
National Access Plan Equity of Access to Further and Higher Education continues to be a national priority for the Government and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Inclusion is a key goal in my Department's Statement of Strategy. The Programme for Government also reflects the importance of supporting learners at risk of educational disadvantage and learners with special education needs in higher education. My Department is committed to the continued roll-out of supports and targeted initiatives in 2022 to tackle educational disadvantage and support equity of access, participation and success in both further and higher education.
The development of the new Strategic Action Plan for Equity, Participation and Success in Higher Education is at an advanced stage. The plan is being developed collaboratively between my Department and the Higher Education Authority. The plan has involved significant consultation with interested stakeholders, including higher education institutions, students, individuals and representatives of priority groups. There was a strong response to the consultation process and a total of 122 submissions were received from a wide range of stakeholders. This approach of the Plan will be rooted strongly in partnership approaches, across Government, institutions and communities. It will focus on improving the learning experience and success of learners and seek to enhance support for people who are under-represented in the learner population in higher education. We hope to have a more student centred plan that drives our strategic goal of inclusion which is a cornerstone of my Department priorities. I secured an additional €5m in budget 2022 to bring forward targeted measures to support the implementation of this plan when it is published.
