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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

155 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department's position on the new on-line teacher training course run by a private college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26894/03]

The Qualifications (Education and Training Act) 1999 provided for the establishment of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Further and Higher Education and Training Awards Councils for the accreditation of non-university education and training awards at further and higher levels.

The role of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council is to establish policies and criteria for the making of higher education and training awards and the validation of programmes, to determine the standards of knowledge skills and competencies to be acquired by learners for an award, to make or recognise awards, and to monitor the quality of programmes, ensuring that providers have procedures for assessment of learners which are fair and consistent.

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is responsible for establishing the overall policies and criteria for the framework of qualifications, and the procedures for the performance of the functions of the awards councils.

Hibernia College made an application to HETAC for validation of its graduate diploma in primary education in the format prescribed, setting out the programme objectives and outcomes, structure and outline content, assessment arrangements for learners, and facilities and staff expertise available. A panel of assessors examined the documentation and visited the college. The programme accreditation committee of HETAC considered their report and accredited the programme. A certificate of course approval was issued in July 2003.

As the Minister for Education and Science is the designated authority for recognition of qualifications for purposes of employment for the regulated profession of primary teacher, Hibernia College contacted the Department as to whether their qualification would be recognised for the purpose of employment as a primary teacher.

The decision of the Minister was that he would recognise the qualification of graduate diploma in primary education of Hibernia College for the purpose of employment as a primary teacher provided all of the conditions set by HETAC were met, including those relating to quality assurance.

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