Vol. 484 No. 2
22 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the progress made to date by Teastas in securing an integrated system of accreditation of courses in accordance with best international practice which facilitates progression for students at all stages of their lives. [16685/97]
Teastas, the Irish National Certification Authority, was established as an interim authority on 18 September 1995. Teastas reported on an interim basis in January 1997, and briefed me fully on Thursday, 27 November 1997, on its most recent work. Teastas has continued to work closely and in consultation with the partners in the education and training sectors to ensure that the framework which it is developing will facilitate access and progression through a structured system of graded education-training qualifications.
When a full consultation process is complete, I intend to publish appropriate legislation providing for the development of a national qualifications framework as early as possible next year. The facilitation of progression pathways for students within the education and training systems will be a key aim of the qualifications framework.
