Tasks and responsibilities

The committee addresses all kinds of topics within:

• tertiary education
• institutional matters
• research
• study grants
• innovation
• research councils and foundations, including education and research funding

The committee focuses primarily on these matters at the national level. Where relevant, the committee draws on the experience of EU Member States and other countries. 

The committee’s tasks and responsibilities can be subdivided into two primary areas: handling of bills and motions within the committee’s remit; and ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of the administration carried out by the Minister for Higher Education and Science of government education and research policies.

Parliamentary scrutiny of government education and research policies is often The Higher Education and Research Committee’s primary activity. Parliamentary scrutiny is exercised through the standing committee members’ tabling questions to the Minister for Higher Education and Science or other ministers.