Regulation of Irish Higher Education

BH Associates hosted a seminar in October 2019 to discuss the regulation of Irish higher education. The publication in July 2019 by the Minister for Education and Skills of proposals for legislation to reform the powers and functions of the Higher Education Authority brought the regulation of the system front and centre in discussions on higher education. At government and the wider political level, there appears to be a growing sense of frustration with the lack and/or weakness of powers of intervention in the sector to address perceived mismanagement or mis-governance.  

In the institutions, on the other hand, there is a growing concern that their autonomy to manage their internal, institutional affairs is increasingly being encroached on by a political system wedded to command and control. 

Leading the discussion, and setting the Irish developments in the context of international experience, was Professor Peter Noonan. Peter is Professor of Tertiary Education Policy in the Mitchell Institute and Professorial Fellow at the Centre for Research on International Education Systems at Victoria University in Melbourne.  He has played a major role in shaping policy in Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training in Australia for over 25 years as a researcher, senior public servant, consultant, and adviser to national and state governments. He was also involved in the two main reviews of Australian higher education.  In 1987 the then Minister for Education (John Dawkins) established a review of higher education.  This  led to significant reforms aimed at enhancing the quality, diversity and equity of access to education while improving the international competitiveness of Australian universities as well as a solution for the perceived brain drain.  It also led to the creation of a unitary HE system.  In 2008 Professor Noonan had a lead role in the Bradley Review of Higher Education the purpose of which was to consider and report on the future direction of the Australian higher education sector and seek recommendations for reform and continuing improvement.

A briefing note on the regulatory landscape in Ireland and the proposed legislation is attached. Peter Noonan’s talk on the regulation of Australian higher education, and reflections on Ireland are also attached.

Briefing Note on the Reform of the Regulatory Regime for the Irish Higher Education System and of the Powers and Functions of the Higher Education Authority

Peter Noonan, The Regulation of Irish Higher Education