The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 was enacted during the summer. An interdepartmental implementation group, comprising those Departments concerned with the operation of the Act, has been established to oversee its implementation. This group had its first meeting in September last and is to report to me in the near future on the necessary steps to bring the Act into operation. It is my intention to move with all possible expedition in bringing the Act into operation, while at the same time ensuring a smooth transition to the new certification system and the effective operation from the outset of the three new bodies to be established under the Act, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council.
As the Deputy will be aware, the provisions of section 29(8) of the Act will enable me as Minister to give effect to the recommendations of the independent review group, chaired by Professor Dervilla Donnelly, of Waterford Institute of Technology. When the relevant sections of the Act are brought into operation it is my intention to direct the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland to implement the recommendations of the report of the review group.