Senator Harmon calls for universal sexual violence and harassment policy for further and higher education institutions
Senator Harmon calls for universal sexual violence and harassment policy for further and higher education institutions - The Labour Party
- Public information campaign on spiking needed ahead of freshers return
Labour spokesperson on further and higher education Senator Laura Harmon has called on Minister Lawless to ensure that clear policy is in place for further and higher education institutions on reporting sexual violence and harassment.
Senator Harmon said:
“Today I’ve called on the Minister for Further and Higher Education to implement universal policy for education institutions on sexual assault and harassment. These should be clear protocols to support students and staff alike.
“Unfortunately, there is no standard policy on this issue and our Oireachtas Committee reviewed all policies submitted from colleges and every college has its own policy. There must be a clear national policy and protocols in place.
“Many institutions are still playing catch up when it comes to training staff and students, ensuring appropriate reporting procedures are in place, and providing strong support to any victim that comes forward.
“There has been an increased focus on sexual assault and harassment at further and higher education institutions following the recent case of a sexual assault in UCD.
“Campuses and institutions across the country must learn from what happened there, what could have been done better, and what steps further and higher education institutions could be taking to better safeguard students and staff.
“Spiking is also on the rise and before education institutions return in September, it would be welcome to see an information campaign coming from Government on the signs and symptoms of spiking, what you should do if people suspect a spiking incident and how to report it to the Gardaí.
“Garda figures show that there were almost 190 incidents of spiking reported to them between January 2022 and December 2025, but there’s no doubt that the real figure is much higher.
“There is no standalone legislation addressing spiking, an issue that must be looked at by the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan. The Labour Party proposed specific amendments to the Criminal Justice (Misc Provisions) Bill in 2022 that would make spiking a specific criminal offence. I would urge the Minister to revisit this.”