Vol. 545 No. 1
346 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure the staff of the former NCEA which is now amalgamated into HETAC, will be fully involved in the decision making process of relocation; the location of the new HETAC offices; and if he will make a statement on the difficulties that staff in NCEA appear to be having on the matter. [29845/01]
On 11 June last, I established the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council. Since then, HETAC has been located at 26 Mountjoy Square. Section 21(2) of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 provides that HETAC as a body corporate may, with my consent, acquire, hold and dispose of property. In this context I have directed that HETAC be located in Dublin and that the council should commence the process of determining the most suitable location, in line with the value for money principle. The Council was informed of my decision on 9 November.
