Vol. 516 No. 6
407 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science the objectives of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; if the board and chief executive have been appointed; its registered address and phone number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/00]
The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, was enacted in July 1999. Section 7 of the Act sets out the objects of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. These objects are to establish and maintain a framework of qualifications for the development, recognition and award of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners, to establish and promote the maintenance and improvement of the standards of further and higher education and training awards, outside the existing universities, and to promote and facilitate access, transfer and progression.
An interdepartmental implementation group, comprising those Departments concerned with the operation of the Act, has been established to oversee its implementation. This group has reported on the necessary steps to bring the Act into operation. In January last, the setting up of a designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland was announced and Mr. Richard Langford was appointed as chairperson.
The new authority is being set up on an interim basis pending its establishment on a statutory basis. The task of the designate authority will be to commence work on the establishment of a national framework of qualifications and to advise on and support the transition to the new certification system as provided for in the Act. The process of securing nominations to the designate authority, as set out in the Act, is under way.
The process of securing interim accommodation and staff for the designate authority is also in hand. The address and telephone number of the designate authority will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
