I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 to 38, inclusive, together.
Universities are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and my Department does not have any function in relation to their academic affairs, including decisions concerning course provision, postgraduate fees, consultation processes with students or the issuing of diploma supplements. I understand that following detailed consultation between the Irish universities and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) in the context of the ongoing process of implementing the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), the universities have agreed that the initial post-primary teaching qualification previously known as the Higher Diploma in Education and latterly as the Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Education, is to be formally included in the NFQ at Level 8 with immediate effect.
As a result of the decision to include the initial post-primary teaching qualification at NFQ Level 8, the title ‘Postgraduate/Graduate Diploma in Education' will be replaced with the new title ‘Professional Diploma in Education' to avoid confusion with any Level 9 award type. All qualification titles used prior to 2011 (i.e. legacy titles) are also placed in the NFQ at Level 8.
As this is the first time that these qualifications have been included in the Framework at any level, there has been no reclassification of awards.
The qualification continues to be recognised by other countries in accordance with their policies and procedures and the adoption of the new title will not affect student entitlements under the existing Student Maintenance Grant Schemes.