Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a report (details supplied) has been investigated; and if so, if he is satisfied the investigation was independent. [53025/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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A report setting out a number of alleged shortfalls in governance and oversight in the Institute referred to by the Deputy was submitted to the Department in December 2018.

Issues such as those raised in the report are, in the first instance, subject to assessment and examination by the Department, working closely with the Higher Education Authority (HEA). In that context, the report was the subject of detailed and comprehensive assessment and examination by both Department and HEA officials which included engagement with the Governing Body of the Institute referred to for further information and clarification on specific issues highlighted.

The Department and the HEA are satisfied that on the basis of the examination carried out and the subsequent engagement with the Governing Body, no further action in respect of the matters highlighted in the report is proposed. This position has been communicated to both the Governing Body of the Institute referred to and to the individual who submitted the report. I am satisfied that the investigations undertaken were independent and conducted impartially.