Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Third Level Qualifications.

Michael Creed

Question:

699 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions taken by his Department to give legal affect to directives 89/48/EEC and 98/5/EEC; his views on whether, in the context of the Bologna declaration, it is desirable that there be cross-Community recognition of third level qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Council Directive 89/48/EEC provides for a general system for the recognition of higher education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years duration. My Department transposed this directive into national law in 1991 by means of statutory instrument SI 1 of 1991. Ireland was the first EU member state to transpose this directive into national law.

In relation to Directive 98/5/EC, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has received legal advice to the effect that a provision in primary legislation is necessary to transpose the directive on the right of establishment of lawyers, in addition to regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972. The necessary provision has been made by way of an amendment to the Solicitors (Amendment) Bill, which is awaiting Report Stage, having been passed by the Seanad. On enactment of the Bill the necessary regulations to give full effect to the directive will be made.

On the issue of cross-Community recognition of third level qualifications, I presume that the Deputy is referring to the issue of transparency and recognition of qualifications within and across the European Union. In this connection, the Deputy will be aware that the Council of Education Ministers at our meeting on 14 February last, adopted a detailed work programme jointly with the Commission. This sets out the key issues to be addressed in order to meet the strategic objectives of improving the quality and effectiveness of education and training systems in the EU; facilitating access for all to education and training systems; and opening up education and training systems to the wider world.

In order to achieve these ambitious but realistic goals, the Council and the Commission agreed that,inter alia, we should seek to ensure that education and training systems in Europe will be compatible enough to allow citizens to move between them and take advantage of their diversity and that holders of qualifications, knowledge and skills acquired anywhere in the EU will be able to get them effectively validated throughout the Union for the purpose of career and further training.

The Deputy will also be aware that in their joint declaration in Bologna in June 1999, European Ministers for Education undertook to establish the European area of higher education in a global context. The goals of the declaration are to increase mobility and employability within the European area. Recognising the fundamental principles of autonomy and diversity, the establishment of the European area of higher education will be achieved by greater compatibility and comparability of the European systems of higher education. One of the key objectives of the declaration is the adoption of a system of easily readable and comparable degrees.