Simon Harris to consider fining colleges who don't act on sexual harassment

Minister for higher education Simon Harris says his department is taking the issue of sexual harassment at universities and colleges "extremely seriously". File Picture.

Colleges that fail to take action to eliminate sexual assaults on campus could see their funding cut, higher education minister Simon Harris has warned.

He told universities and colleges they need to take concrete steps to tackle sexual and gender-based violence on campuses. They are expected to produce action plans as part of efforts to eliminate sex crimes in third-level institutions.