Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Objectives span the enhancement of teaching and learning, the promotion of equity of access to higher education, the enhancement of institutions’ responsiveness to the needs of wider society, research capacity-building, and the internationalisation of Irish higher education. The HEA leads in developing the evidence-base which underpins strategic planning and strategy implementation at institutional, regional and national level. The HEA is accountable to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, through his Department, for the achievement of national outcomes for the higher education sector. the HEA has conducted a service level agreement with the DES. Taken overall, the HEA exercises a central oversight role in the higher education system and is the lead agency in the creation of a coordinated system of higher education institutions with clear and diverse roles appropriate to their strengths and national needs. HEA acts as a catalyst for change in the higher education system, requiring higher levels of performance while demonstrating an appropriate level of accountability, consistent with institutional autonomy and academic freedom.