Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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53. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a research project has been commissioned on sexual harassment in third-level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22604/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 5th April 2019 the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: “Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive – Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions” was launched. The Framework aims to ensure the creation of an institutional campus culture which is safe, respectful and supportive. Institutions have a duty of care to their students and staff, and a responsibility to foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours.

The findings emerging from the Sexual Experiences Survey 2020 (SES ) published in June 2020 by the NUI Galway Active Consent Programme in partnership with the Union of Students in Ireland are deeply concerning. Therefore, in early August, I wrote to the Presidents of the publically funded higher education institutions indicating that I wanted to prioritise the implementation of this Framework; and requested that they develop institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment, make consent classes mandatory for all incoming students, and report to the Higher Education Authority on their progress on the implementation of the Framework for Consent. In addition, I will be requesting a survey to be undertaken on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying of both staff and students in the higher education institutions.

The Framework for Consent outlined that research be undertaken on student and staff experiences in this area, and I will keep this issue under review in the light of the work already underway, and the actions I am now taking.