Ms Annette Dolan:

The TUI welcomes the opportunity to comment on the general scheme of the Higher Education Authority Bill 2021. The TUI represents teachers, lecturers, researchers, education professionals and staff in post-primary schools, further and adult education and higher education.

The TUI is concerned about the proposed changes to the Technological Universities Act 2018 because many of the provisions of that Act were the subject of the May 2017 agreement with the union involving the Department of Education and Skills, the Technological Higher Education Association, THEA. Consultation and agreement with the TUI is therefore required in order to ensure that the provisions of the HEA Bill 2021, when enacted, will not impinge on existing agreements. Any proposed legislative changes to the existing Technological Universities Act arising from this proposed HEA Bill must be carried out in consultation with the TUI.

In our view, the roles and functions of the academic councils and the governing bodies must be strengthened, and this includes more academic staff representation. Governing bodies, as Ms Donegan outlined, must have sufficient and proportionate representation from both the academic and student communities. The voice of the academic community must be facilitated as part of any higher education institution, HEI, governing body.

Significant additional funding is required for HEIs as there has been major underinvestment in higher education for a considerable period. What is proposed is a very competitive, performance-based model which can be restrictive and limit innovation. The TUI supports and advocates for a publicly funded higher education sector. Increased investment is required in order to maintain academic quality and standards and the student experience. Performance indicators can assist with system accountability and transparency. However, there must be clarity of purpose and precise criteria used for measurement. In addition, consideration needs to be provided for regional provision, demographics and diversity.

On the reform of governing authorities, with a multi-campus technological university, TU, for example, some campuses might not have any representation on the governing body. This could have a significantly negative effect on the local regions served by TU campuses. The TUI does not support any changes to the provisions on governing body composition and size contained in the Technological Universities Act 2018.

The TUI supports autonomy and accountability. However, there is a need for accountability within a strong regulatory framework. The TUI has some concerns around the metrics used for performance-based funding.

Engagement with students is important. However, engagement must be appropriate and relevant to matters of concern to students.

Throughout the draft heads of Bill there is an absence of any reference to engaging with the trade unions that represent staff. We request that such references be inserted throughout the proposed Bill.

The TUI has concerns regarding how research will be evaluated. Significant consultation is required around a HEA legislative role for research and what this would entail.

On equality, there should be stronger provisions in the heads of Bill concerning commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Targets should be set for access, including for those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and ethic minority communities, including Travellers, refugees and asylum seekers.

Finally, there is the matter of serving the public interest. Publicly funded HEIs must serve the public. This includes equality of access for all groups to higher education opportunities; the provision of multilevel programmes from national framework of qualifications levels 6 to 10, traditional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and short programmes for upskilling and reskilling are required. HEIs must have progression routes that are recognised across the systems to facilitate lifelong learning for citizens in Ireland, the European Union and the UK.

I also agree with remarks made by Ms Donegan in respect of academic freedom. We absolutely agree with what she has pointed out there. I thank the committee for the opportunity to attend today.