Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I will take these matters back to the Minister. I note the point being raised by the Senator. Higher education institutions participating in the charter sign up to the Athena SWAN Ireland principles. In signing up to the principles, participants recognise that each institution, department and professional unit has different equality challenges and development priorities, and that these priorities should be developed based on an understanding of the local evidence base and the national and global equality challenges in higher education.

Athena SWAN Ireland is managed by dedicated staff who are based in Ireland. Award recommendations are made by panels of peer reviewers who work in the higher education sector. In 2021, the Athena SWAN Ireland charter was redeveloped in line with the findings of a national consultation and offers a framework for progressing equality in higher education and research that is unique to Ireland.