Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 1

Written Answers. - VPT Programme.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

225 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education if she will review the regulations regarding the Second Level Vocational Preparation and Training Programme (VPTP) which stipulate that a student cannot miss more than 15 days in all without being removed from the programme; if she will make a greater allowance in the case of serious injury or illness on the part of a student; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has not issued regulations which require the removal of a student from a VPT programme after an absence of more than 15 days.

The Deputy may be referring to a circular which last issued in 1987 to schools advocating that the Department of Education VPT certificate should not be issued to students who were absent from the programme for more than 20 days. This did not require the removal of a student from a programme and did not preclude the issue of other forms of certification.

The establishment of the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA) in 1991 signalled a move away from participation-based certification for VPT towards the development of a national performance-based system operating to quality standards relevant to industry needs, with awards based on the outcome of assessment by programme providers operating to national criteria with external moderation. The work of the NCVA will be progressed further through the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment to establish a National Education and Training Certification Board on a statutory basis for programmes within both the education and training sectors.