Vol. 536 No. 2
468 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science when the membership of FETAC will be finalised; if those bodies with nominating rights have notified him of their nominee; when the council assumes its role; and the persons or group which will have responsibility for awarding qualifications to this year's graduates. [13749/01]
On 26 February last, I established the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland 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 is under way. It is envisaged that the new awarding council will be established in the near future. When established, a further education and training award of the NCVA, NCEA, FAS, CERT and Teagasc shall be deemed to be an award made by the council. Since some of these bodies make awards on a year round basis, the new council will make those awards which fall due following the date of establishment.
