Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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603. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions he is taking to improve the safety and security of students of colour in our higher education institutions and if his Department has investigated the costs associated with establishing a national helpline service for student victims of racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22780/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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My Department continues to support work combatting racism across the Higher Education System, including via the work driven out by, and funding provided via, the HEA Centre of Excellence on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

While higher education institutions are autonomous, I know that the welfare of students is a priority for all our publicly funded higher education institutions.

I recently announced funding of just under €450,000 which has been specifically ring-fenced to tackle prejudice and racism, this funding under PATH 4 will support higher education institutions to implement anti-racism measures that help foster a greater sense of belonging in higher education for those that experience racism.

Under the Higher Education Authority’s (HEA) Race Equality in the Education Sector: Implementation Plan 2022-2025, higher education institutions (HEIs) are developing institutional race equality action plans.

The Race Equality in the Education Sector: Implementation Plan 2022-2025 includes Actions for HEIs to take with regard to the recognition of foreign qualifications. It also includes a stand-alone race equality document which provides easy-to-access signposts to the other relevant policies. These Actions are connected to supporting diversity in staffing and student recruitment.

To date, 21 HEIs have signed and endorsed Anti-Racism Principles for Higher Education Institutions. These principles address the recommendations in the Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector: Analysis Commissioned by the Higher Education Authority report, which call on HEI leadership to actively embed a culture of race equality within HEIs.

Speak Out is an anonymous reporting helpline tool where visitors, staff, students and members of college communities can anonymously report their experiences of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. Speak Out directs anyone contacting them to the supports relevant.

A national office for Speak Out, has been established recently in Trinity College, Dublin, with the support of My Department. The National Office ensures overall support, management and coordination for the tool, operates across HEI’s, and ensures the resource for individuals is on a strong and sustainable footing.

In 2024, the HEA established an advisory group on anti-racism in Irish HEIs to advise the HEA on policy relating to addressing racism in Irish HEIs and advancing race equality as a strategic priority and part of institutional culture. HEIs will report to the HEA on progress relating to the Race Equality in the Higher Education Sector Implementation Plan 2022-2025.

Membership of the Advisory Group, comprises representatives of relevant higher education stakeholder groups and specialist external agencies, as well as student representation and experts in the area of race equality or individuals with lived expertise in the area of race equality in HEIs.

The primary goal of this Advisory Group is to advise the HEA on advancing race equality in higher education, and advise on the implementation of the recommendations from the Race Equality Report and delivery of actions outlined in the Race Equality Implementation Plan.

My Department will continue to support the delivery of these Actions.