47. (1) Notwithstanding the role and responsibility of designated institutions of higher education for the development and provision of lifelong and flexible learning in their respective institutions, An tÚdarás shall promote and support those institutions in the development and provision of lifelong and flexible learning for learners which—

(a) is learner centred,

(b) is at a pace which suits the needs of the learner,

(c) is provided in a mode or at a location suitable to the needs of the learner,

(d) provides flexible ways of entering higher education,

(e) recognises the different needs of different learners,

(f) meets the needs of individuals, business, enterprise, the community, local interests and others at a national level and a regional level,

(g) meets the needs of persons who are competent to speak the Irish language,

(h) promotes well-being, active citizenship, community engagement, inclusion, full participation in society and health in the learner,

(i) meets the skills needs of the economy and society,

(j) improves employment prospects for the learner,

(k) supports all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote environmental development and sustainability, and

(l) facilitates the provision of various means of access, transfer and progression for learning.

(2) An tÚdarás shall support the implementation by designated institutions of higher education of procedures for access, transfer and progression in relation to learners that have been established in accordance with section 56(2) of the Act of 2012.