James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Farrell for acknowledging the work that is ongoing. This is a cross-party issue; I do not believe it is a political issue at all. I appreciate her approach to this and I share and reciprocate that.

There are several plans in place, which we have spoken about. Some of those are due to expire in the next year or two but they are typically incremental and we continue to grow and implement them. Insofar as I can while respecting their autonomy, I have made very clear my expectations of the institutions. I have undertaken a road trip to visit various institutions since coming into the brief. When it comes to the student experience, being safe from harassment should be the minimum standard expected in student accommodation and student life. The quality of the education and life experience for those going through a university or another HEI is paramount in the context of my commitment to this brief. It is something I will be engaging on further in due course.

We have the Zero Tolerance strategy. It was an ambitious strategy when adopted and it remains clear. The name of the strategy calls it out. We cannot tolerate, accept, condone or downplay harassment or behaviour of any kind that threatens student well-being. There is no place for sexual violence, gender-based violence or harassment in Ireland, nor the attitudes underpinning such behaviour. Sexual violence is, of course, the worst possible, but we should not have any tolerance for gender-based violence, misogyny or any kind of behaviour on that spectrum. That will be my approach.

Unfortunately, since St. Patrick's Day we have seen a spotlight placed on toxic masculinity due to the contemptuous bravado of certain high-profile individuals who perhaps think they are above the law. I fully support comments made by my colleagues in government condemning this behaviour. Aggression and misogyny in any form should never be normalised or considered in any way acceptable.

As I said, higher education institutions are autonomous and I respect that but the welfare of students must be a priority at all publicly funded institutions. We have ongoing robust evidence-based procedures and policies in place to ensure dignity, respect and freedom from bullying and harassment. This does not mean we have done enough, however, I will continue to do all I can in this brief to ensure the safety, priority, dignity and well-being of students.

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