As the statutory planning and policy-advisory body for higher education in Ireland, the HEA advises the Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Government of Ireland on the sector’s development.

This role encompasses the development and implementation of policy across all aspects of the mission of higher education, the three main dimensions of teaching and learning, research, and engagement. Maintaining a watching brief on developments in higher education nationally and internationally, the HEA provides high-quality, evidence-based policy advice while also performing an advocacy role on behalf of the Irish higher education sector.

Policy development covers various activities, from access to higher education, equality, diversity, inclusion, health and wellbeing, and academic research.