Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme. – Dáil Éireann (28th Dáil) – Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Ceist:
794 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 998 of 3 October 2001, he will give a commitment to fully consult with staff regarding any change in location for HETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26370/01]

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

807 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the concerns of a person (details supplied) in relation to HETAC staff. [26427/01]

814 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals for the location of HETAC; the consultation process being undertaken with existing staff; and if he will defer further action until consensus is reached. [26461/01]

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

819 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on issues relating to staff concerns arising from the dissolution of the NCEA and the establishment of HETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26481/01]

Ceist:
839 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department has taken to involve the views of former staff of the National Council for Educational Awards in respect of the newly established NETAC; if agreement has been reached between all staff members on the location of the new council; the reason the recommendations of the staff members of the National Council for Educational Awards have been overlooked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26724/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 794, 807, 814, 819 and 839 together.

On 11 June last, I established the Further Education and Training Awards Council, FETAC, and the Higher Education and Training 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 HETAC is currently 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. Staff concerns in relation to the future location of HETAC have been conveyed to my Department. My Department will be in contact with HETAC in the near future in relation to the question of location.

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001