Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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167. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on his engagement with HEIs in relation to the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34398/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The safety and wellbeing of every student in higher education is a fundamental priority for the Government, for my Department, and for me personally.

I am acutely conscious of the importance of every individual student on our campus feeling safe and I am committed to ensuring that the environment is one where every individual feels safe and respected and free from the threat of harm, most especially sexual violence and harassment.

No student should experience sexual violence or harassment in their place of study, accommodation, or anywhere on campus. Everyone should be able to study in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.

The Programme for Government is very clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a major national priority. I know that the Higher Education Authority has considerable expertise in this area and my Department provides key supports in the form of funding support and coordination on implementation. In that context, my Department works closely with the HEA and is supportive of their work, including the work of the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, who work with higher education institutions across the sector to ensure that a culture of respect and safety is nurtured.

The HEA leads the sector’s response through the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Framework, which was introduced in 2019. That Framework sets out clear expectations for institutions in relation to campus culture, policies, reporting procedures, prevention initiatives, and supports for students and staff.

While higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, my Department and the HEA continue to engage extensively with them regarding policies and supports for students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment, including measures to support students in continuing their studies safely and appropriately.

Important initiatives supported by my Department include the Speak Out anonymous reporting tool, the Active* Consent programme, the Bystander Intervention initiative, and 16 dedicated Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager posts across the sector.

In addition, the HEA is currently progressing a revised Framework following an expert review published in 2025, informed by extensive engagement with students, staff representatives, institutions and stakeholders across the sector.