Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 March 2009
238 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on foot of the decision to amalgamate HETAC, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10552/09]
View answerAn Implementation Advisory Group, representative of the key stakeholders in the amalgamation process, has been formed to advise my Department in relation to the functions of the new organisation. In parallel with these discussions, my Department is preparing a consultation paper which covers issues such as the proposed functions of the new agency and its governance and reporting arrangements. This paper is at an advanced state of preparation and it is intended to publish the consultation paper in the near future to allow interested parties to submit suggestions which will assist in informing the drafting of legislation.
It is intended to complete the consultation process in the first half of the year and publish legislation before the end of this year, with the new agency being established during 2010.
