I propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 154 and 158 together.
Universities are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. My Department does not have any function in relation to their academic affairs, including decisions concerning course provision or consultation processes with students or staff members. I understand that following detailed consultation between the Irish universities and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland in the context of the ongoing process of implementing the National Framework of Qualifications, the universities have agreed that the initial post-primary teaching qualification, hitherto known as the Higher Diploma in Education and latterly as the Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Education, is to be formally included in the National Framework of Qualifications at Level 8 with immediate effect. The universities and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland have issued a joint communication with further information on the context for the decision. That statement is available at www.nqai.ie/documents/ProfessionalDiplomainEducationcommunication.pdf.