New law gives state swingeing powers over university governance

Strict new rules will slim down third-level boards and give HEA authority to replace members and withhold funding

Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education: to speak to third level college personnel Picture: Julien Behal

University boards could be removed in their entirety and replaced by new members at the behest of the Minister for Higher Education under a tough new law set to be brought to Cabinet next month.

The new legislation being prepared by Simon Harris would give the Higher Education Authority (HEA) a far greater role in ensuring that boards follow codes of governance laid down by the state.

If necessary, the HEA will be able to ...