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Lobbying Tracker
Who lobbies whom about what. Search Ireland's lobbying register to see who is influencing your TDs, ministers, and public officials — and on whose behalf.
84838
Lobbying Returns
2578
Registered Lobbyists
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA followed up on an invitation from the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to arrange a meeting to outline the role of the sector in the Irish higher education sector and discuss policy and regulatory issues affecting private and independent higher education institutions.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA requested and subsequently held a meeting with DFHERIS on 20 October 2025 to discuss policy and legislative issues affecting the private and independent higher education sector. Topics included learner protection arrangements, the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, delegated authority and designation, student funding, regulatory burden, and international student matters.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA met with a member of the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to present HECA and outline the role of the private and independent higher education sector, including key concerns and the legislative and regulatory frameworks affecting institutions.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Introduction of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA), representing private and independent HEIs that educate over 10% of higher education learners across diverse disciplines up to NFQ Level 9, and raising awareness of the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s tertiary education system.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA requested that Assistant Secretary William Beausang participate as a panellist at the HECA Research Conference 2025 and met with him to discuss the potential for teaching- and learning-informed research development within the private and independent higher education sector. The conference brings together researchers, institutions, industry and policymakers to examine research activity and collaboration across the sector.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA, with IUA, TUA, CHoICE, RCSI and ICOS, raised concerns with Assistant Secretary William Beausang regarding urgent difficulties faced by international students in securing immigration registration appointments. The issue is causing significant stress for students, disrupting academic programmes, and posing reputational risks to Ireland as a higher education destination.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA submitted a request to the Minister seeking an amendment to Section 65A of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 to allow the Minister to appoint a later cessation date for the HECA Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) Scheme, which is due to expire on 31 August 2027 under current legislation.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] A request was made for the Minister to attend the HECA Research Conference 2025, hosted by the Higher Education Colleges Association. The conference brings together researchers, institutions, students, industry, and policymakers to showcase research activity across Ireland’s independent and private higher education sector.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss issues affecting independent and private higher education and seeks inclusion as a stakeholder in the proposed national education convention.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA requests recognition of its HECA Protection of the Enrolled Learner Scheme (HPS) as a sufficient alternative to the proposed National Learner Protection Fund under the 2019 Act.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA seeks inclusion in consultations on the Future of Funding Options paper and the national disability support policy, specifically requesting consideration of targeted financial supports for disadvantaged students in HECA member HEIs addressing national skills needs.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA, representing the majority of established private and independent HEIs, requests an introductory meeting with the Minister for FHERIS to discuss key issues affecting the sector, highlight our contribution to national skills and societal needs, and extend an invitation for the Minister to attend the HECA Research Conference 2025.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Constitutional duties from Supreme Court rulings remain unmet, risking breach and exclusion of private/independent HEI graduates. Key issues: 1937 Act: Sections 6 & 7 unconstitutional; franchise non-compliant. Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Act 2024: Limits franchise to HEIs designated under the HEA Act 2022, but no process exists. QQI Act 2012: Delegated authority not commenced.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA has noted growing concern around increasing visa refusals for international students, with some countries more notable. Applicants who meet requirements are being refused on grounds not always clear to HEIs or agents. This trend risks creating uncertainty, reputational challenges, and could weaken Ireland’s image as an open and attractive higher education destination.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Promote dialogue with DFHERIS to align sector priorities with national policy, address challenges, and highlight contributions to skills, research, and internationalisation. Invite the Assistant Secretary to participate as a panelist in the HECA Research Conference 2025.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA seeks to outline higher education issues of concern and explore possible solutions, while highlighting the role and potential of the private and independent sector. Key areas include skills, societal needs, international students, applied research, legislative issues, and the National Training Fund.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Advocacy for urgent implementation of statutory provisions (QQI Act 2012, HEA Act 2022, Seanad Electoral Act 2024), equitable learner protection and funding frameworks, inclusion in the National Training Fund, extension of SUSI supports, proportional regulation, streamlined quality assurance, and formal recognition of private/independent HEIs within Ireland’s tertiary education system.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Introduction of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA), representing private and independent HEIs that educate over 10% of higher education learners across diverse disciplines up to NFQ Level 9, and raising awareness of the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s tertiary education system.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Introduction of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA), representing private and independent HEIs that educate over 10% of higher education learners across diverse disciplines up to NFQ Level 9, and raising awareness of the sector’s contribution to Ireland’s tertiary education system.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Request a meeting to discuss pivotal matters affecting independent and private higher education in Ireland
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Congratulations on new role and acknowledgments of achievements as Minister FHERIS
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Concerns about unifying the National Learner Protection Fund under the QQI Amendment Act 2019, merging the ELE sector with HEIs.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] HECA highlighting the growing QQI charges for the private and independent higher education institutions.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) Healthy Campus Event
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] The HECA Research Conference 2024
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Inclusion of the private and independent higher education sector in the development of the national disability supports policy development.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] The Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Ensure private and independent HEIs are included in NTF plans, addressing rising legislative and validation costs, with focus on equitable resource allocation.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] A discussion fostering mutual understanding between DFHERIS and the private and independent sector on national skills, lifelong learning, and higher education policy in Ireland. Dialogue addressed legislation, strategies, support for effective initiatives, and how to ensure fair, collaborative education frameworks.
Public Officials Lobbied
Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA)
[Education and Training] Funds for Students with Disabilities (FSD)
Public Officials Lobbied