Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Simon Coveney

Question:

58 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the consultation which took place with the teacher training colleges, the teachers union, and his Department prior to the announcement of the on-line teacher training course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21564/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department did not engage in consultations in relation to the recognition of the course referred to by the Deputy. The Minister for Education and Science is the designated authority for recognition of qualifications for purposes of employment for the regulated profession of primary teachers.

Hibernia College contacted my Department as to whether its qualification would be recognised for the purpose of employment as a primary teacher. Hibernia College is a private college and does not need the Department's approval to run its course. The course concerned is accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, HETAC, which was established under the terms of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999. The role of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council is to establish policies and criteria for the making of higher education and training awards and the validation of programmes outside the university sector, to determine the standards of knowledge skills and competences to be acquired by learners for an award, to make or recognise awards, and to monitor the quality of programmes, ensuring that providers have procedures for assessment of learners which are fair and consistent. The recognition of the qualification will apply so long as all of the conditions set by HETAC are met, including those relating to quality assurance.