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 designate authority will 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.
The provisions of section 29(8) of the Act enables the Minister to give effect to the recommendations of the independent review group, chaired by Professor Dervilla Donnelly, on Waterford Institute of Technology. When the relevant sections of the Act are brought into operation it is intended that the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will be directed under the terms of this section, to implement the recommendations of the report of the review group.