8. (1) An tÚdarás shall have regard to the following objects in performing its functions:

(a) to promote the attainment and maintenance of excellence in teaching, learning and research in a high quality higher education system;

(b) to support designated institutions of higher education in contributing to social, economic, cultural and environmental development and sustainability through leadership, innovation and agility and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such support shall include the promotion and use by those institutions of the Irish language;

(c) to hold designated institutions of higher education to account for their performance and for securing value for money in the use of funding provided under this Act;

(d) to advance equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in higher education;

(e) to strengthen engagement with the education system and society generally;

(f) to respect the academic freedom of higher education providers and academic staff in those providers;

(g) to acknowledge the responsibility of designated institutions of higher education for the performance and governance of those institutions.

(2) In furthering these objects, An tÚdarás shall provide that, as far as practicable and having regard to resources available, the needs of the student in higher education are a primary consideration.