Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)

Lobbying Organisation Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)

Date published 20 Jan, 2025

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Education and Training

Period 1 Sep, 2024 to 31 Dec, 2024

Specific Details The Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024

Intended results Seeks an amendment to address the exclusion of graduates from private & independent higher education institutions from the Seanad franchise under the proposed Bill. It aims to include degree holders (Level 7 & above) awarded by QQI, HETAC, and NCEA. This would ensure equitable representation for 10–15% of graduates currently excluded, aligning the franchise with constitutional principles of equality and addressing the discriminatory gap in representation for these graduates.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Patricia O Sullivan

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Email (2-5)

Also email to President Michael D Higgins to ensure the Bill undergoes a detailed constitutional review by the Council of State before being signed into law. Their goal is to advocate for an inclusive electoral framework that aligns with constitutional principles, addressing concerns about the exclusion of graduates from private and independent institutions. This seeks to guarantee equal representation for all degree holders from Irish higher education institutions in the Seanad franchise.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Patrick O'Donovan Minister (Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science)

Simon Harris An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)

Eamon Ryan Minister (Department of Transport)

Jack Chambers Minister (Department of Finance)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform)

Norma Foley Minister (Department of Education)

Catherine Martin Minister (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)

Darragh O'Brien Minister (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

Heather Humphreys Minister (Department of Rural and Community Development)

Stephen Donnelly Minister (Department of Health)

Charlie McConalogue Minister (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine)

Helen McEntee Minister (Department of Justice and Equality)

Peter Burke Minister (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment)