Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024

Thursday, 7 March 2024

Ceisteanna (437)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

437. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his engagements with Irish institutes of higher education regarding their ongoing collaboration with counterparts in Israel; and if he has raised any concerns with University College Dublin related to their Israeli counterpart fundraising for student reservists that took part in the Israeli assault on Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11400/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutions of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018, higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland are autonomous bodies.

As such, these institutions are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes including their academic collaborations and as Minister it would not be appropriate for me to intervene.