Brian O'Shea
Question:291 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when he intends to set up the Higher Education and Training Awards Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10399/01]
Written Answers. - Higher Education and Training Awards Council.
On 26 February last, I established the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, NQAI, on a statutory basis.
The task of the new authority will be to establish and maintain a framework of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners and to facilitate continuous lifelong learning through the promotion of access, transfer and progression for all learners. It will also 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 seven existing universities and liaise with bodies outside the State for the mutual recognition of awards at transnational level.
One of the main tasks of the NQAI is to enter into discussions with the relevant stakeholders in the process to clear the way for me to bring the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act fully into operation.
The nominations process for membership of the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council is currently under way. It is envisaged that these two new awarding councils will be established in the near future.