Brendan Howlin
Ceist:42 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has been subject to pressure from Brussels in the matter of tidying up the system of vocational awards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3589/98]
Written Answers. - National Qualifications Framework.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:62 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received any communication from the EU about the adequacy of the Irish system of certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3667/98]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 42 and 62 together.
The establishment of a more coherent and effective system of certification for higher education and training, other than universities, as well as for the vocational education and training sector has been endorsed by successive Governments and by the European Union, which also supports it as part of the current Operational Programme for Human Resources.
This need for a more coherent and effective system was acknowledged in the National Development Plan which was agreed with the European Union. This was agreed because all sides accepted and supported arguments of the needs for a system which would,inter alia, involve industry and the social partners. Successive Governments have taken this position. I have been in contact with the European Commission in relation to proposals for the development of a framework and the mutually supportive position remains unchanged.
Teastas, the Irish National Certification Autuority, was established as an interim authority on 18 September 1995. Teastas reported on an interim basis in January 1997 and has recently issued its second report.
My aim is to complete the consultation process in relation to the national qualifications framework in the coming weeks. In that regard, I am hosting a forum with the key groups tomorrow. When the consultation process is complete, it is my intention to publish legislation to appropriately underpin a national qualifications framework.