Ceist:
998 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to decentral ise the new FETAC and HETAC institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21075/01]
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
On 11 June last, I established the Further Education and Training Awards Council, FETAC, and the Higher Education Awards Council, HETAC. The two new awarding councils have three principal functions: the establishment of policies and criteria for the making of awards and the validation of programmes; the determination of standards of knowledge, skill or competence to be acquired by learners, before an award may be made by a council or recognised by a council and the making and recognition of awards where persons have achieved the required standards. The location of FETAC is currently the Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9, while HETAC is currently located in 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. The position regarding the permanent location of
the two new councils is at present under
consideration.