Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 1

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation on Culliton Report.

John Bruton

Question:

222 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she has any proposals to introduce legislation to deal with any aspect of the Government decisions on the Culliton report; and if so, if she will give details of the proposed legislation.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The response of the Government to the Moriarty Task Force on the Implementation of the Culliton report contained the following decisions of direct relevance to my Department:

(i) an improved balance in the social partners' representation will be provided on the Higher Education Authority when the authority is next appointed:

(ii) an action group is to report on the respective roles of FÁS and the education sector in connection with pre-work and apprenticeship education and training by July, 1993;

(iii) the creation by July, 1993 of a new division within FÁS to concentrate on training for those at work, in consultation and co-operation with the Department of Education, and to realise the objective of raising the level of skills to that of best international practice;

(iv) the establishment of a National Education and Training Certification Board, which should be in operation, at any rate on an ad hoc basis, by October 1993;

(v) a planned decisive transition to higher skills-knowledge standards of certification is to be introduced by end 1994;

(vi) a permanent co-ordinating group involving the Departments of Education and Enterprise and Employment together with FÁS, and the industrial development agencies to ensure the continued relevance of training to the needs of Irish industry, is to be established by June 1993.

I am in consultation with the Minister for Enterprise and Employment about the establishment of a National Education and Training Certification Board, initially, on anad hoc basis.

The establishment of this single national, independent and authoritative certification body for the non-university education and training sector will require new legislation. I am also in consultation with the Minister for Enterprise and Employment in regard to the form of this legislation.