Vol. 522 No. 2
462 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if the designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has held its first meeting; the progress being made since the designate authority was announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18178/00]
In January last, the setting up of a designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland was announced and Mr. Richard Langford was appointed as chairperson.
The new authority is being set up on an interim basis pending its establishment on a statutory basis. The task of the designate authority will be to commence work on the establishment of a national framework of qualifications and to advise on and support the transition to the new certification system as provided for in the Act. The process of securing nominations to the designate authority, as set out in the Act, is under way.
Interim accommodation for the designate authority has been secured and a consultant's report on the staffing needs of the three new bodies to be established under the Act is also in train.
It is hoped to convene the inaugural meeting of the authority within the coming months.
