Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Apr 2000

Vol. 518 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Qualifications Authority.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

181 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of times the designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has met; the progress, if any, made by the authority on the delegation of authority to Waterford Institute of Technology to award its own certificates and diplomas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11003/00]

(Dr. Woods): The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, was enacted in July 1999. An inter-departmental 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 inaugural meeting of the designate authority is due to take place in the near future.

The process of securing interim accommodation and staff for the designate authority is also in hand.

As the Deputy will be aware, the provisions of section 29(8) of the Act enable the 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 intended that the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will be directed under the terms of this section, to implement the recommendations of the report of the review group.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

182 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the name and address of those appointed to the designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. [11004/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Mr. Dick Langford, Chief Executive Officer, City of Cork Vocational Education Committee, was appointed chairperson of the delegate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland on 26 January 2000. The members nominated to the designate Authority to date are as follows: Ms Aileen O'Donoghue, Assistant Director, Social Policy, Irish Business and Employers Confederation, Baggot Street, Dublin 2; Ms Margaret Nolan, Director, Education and Training Services, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Parnell Square, Dublin 1; Ms Marie O'Mahony, Professional Officer, The Irish National Accreditation Board, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2; Professor Michael Laver, Senior Lecturer, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Mr. Donal Kerr, Churchtown, Dublin 14.