Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2014
69. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will introduce a waiver on fees for independently managed community education providers for Quality and Qualifications Ireland re-engagement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30440/14]
View answerQuality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is due to publish its policy in relation to re-engagement with its providers shortly. Re-engagement, or the formal agreement of quality assurance (QA) procedures with QQI, is a requirement for legacy providers, such as the organisation referred to by the Deputy, under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2012. It will happen only once for a provider; thereafter the provider will have to undergo periodic review of the effectiveness of its QA procedures. The re-engagement process will allow providers to demonstrate their capacity in respect of the development, ownership and implementation of their QA procedures, including the development of programmes and assessment of learners. The fees to be applied to legacy providers seeking to re-engage with QQI have yet to be determined. QQI's proposals in that regard, and any associated issues, will be considered when they are made.
