Ceist:
270 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the National Qualification Authority will be established; the way in which composition of the board will be decided; and if any nominations have been made. [25923/00]
Written Answers. - National Qualifications Authority.
Ceist:
271 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the higher education and training awards authority will be established; the way in which the composition of the board will be decided; and if any nominations have been made. [25924/00]
Ceist:
272 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the further education and training awards council will be established; the way in which the composition of the board will be decided; and if any nominations have been made. [25925/00]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 270, 271 and 272 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I launched the designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland on Friday, 10 November last. The incoming authority will establish and maintain a framework of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners in all institutes, colleges and places of further and higher education and training. It will also facilitate lifelong learning and promote access, transfer and progression for all learners including those who have special needs. An important feature of the work of the new authority will be to ensure the recognition of Irish qualifications internationally and of outside qualifications here.
The membership of the designate authority mirrors that provided for under section 6 of the Act.
The designate authority will immediately enter into consultations with the relevant stakeholders in the process to clear the way for me to bring the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act fully into operation in the new year.
It is also my intention to establish the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, HETAC, and the Further Education and Training Awards Council, FETAC, on a statutory basis in the new year pending the outcome of the National Qualifications Authority's consultations with the relevant stakeholders.
The membership of both councils is provided for in the Act and I have commenced the nominations process with the appointment of the designate chairperson of HETAC in his capacity as a member of the designate National Qualifications Authority. The designate chairperson of FETAC when appointed, will also be a member of the designate National Qualifications Authority of Ireland.