Brian O'Shea
Question:148 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/01]
Written Answers. - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.
The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, provides for the establishment of three new bodies: the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council. I established the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland on a statutory basis on 26 February last and it is my intention to establish the two new awarding councils in the near future.
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has three objects as set out in the qualifications Act: (1) 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; (2)to establish and promote the maintenance and improvement of the standards of awards of the further and higher education and training sector, other than in the existing universities, and (3) to promote and facilitate access, transfer and progression throughout the education and training provision.
In meeting these objectives, the authority will establish policies and criteria on which the framework of qualifications will be based and review the operation of the framework. It will also establish procedures for the performance of their functions by the two awarding councils, as well as determining procedures to be implemented by providers in relation to access, transfer and progression. The authority will also ensure that the Dublin Institute of Technology and any university that may be established in the future implement such procedures.
Furthermore, the authority will advise the existing universities in implementing such procedures and will also review their implementation in consultation with the Higher Education Authority. The authority will also consult with and advise the Minister for Education and Science or any other Minister on matters relating to its functions and liaise with bodies outside the State for the mutual recognition of awards. The authority will inform itself of the education and training needs of industry and promote practices in education and training to meet those needs and will also consult with relevant bodies.