Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Institutes of Technology.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

77 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 609 of 20 April 1999, he will remove the word "primary" from recommendation (2) of the interim review group report on delegation of qualification awarding authority to Waterford Institute of Technology as endorsed by him in view of the fact that the NCEA Directory of Approved Courses in Higher Education makes a clear distinction between primary degrees, graduate diplomas and master degree courses. [11288/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

As I have indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 20 April reports of the interim review group have been completed and published. The group operated entirely independently of my Department and it would be highly inappropriate for me to seek to interfere by seeking to have final reports withdrawn and changed, especially on the basis of a difference between the reports which has no significance.

The crucial point is that each institute will have, under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill, 1999, delegated authority to make awards in relation to existing and new programmes at the level of certificate and diploma. Additionally, each institute will be free to seek further delegation in respect of degree qualifications.