The Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) is a representative body of independent third level colleges in Ireland. It was formed in 1991,^[1] and its stated mission is to "promote the enhancement of teaching and learning within HECA colleges, such that it has tangible effects in the classroom, effectively enabling people to learn".^{[2][non-primary source needed]}

Lobbying

The association acts as a lobby and support group to serve common academic and commercial interests.^{[citation needed]} HECA lobbies its members interests in government and legislative circles and seeks representation on government committees and boards.^{[citation needed]} HECA also represents the independent education sector on a number of national and international educational bodies, such as Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the Bologna Process, International Education Board of Ireland, and the Irish Higher Education Quality Network.^{[citation needed]}