Education Qualifications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2012

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Ceisteanna (116)

John O'Mahony

Ceist:

162 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills when new applications for FETAC provider registration will be accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22709/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

In the light of the necessary preparations for the amalgamation of FETAC with HETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) into the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQAAI), new applications for registration will not be accepted until the establishment of the new agency. The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill 2011, which provides for the amalgamation, was introduced in Seanad Éireann. The Bill passed Seanad Committee Stage on 29 March 2012. I intend that the Bill will be enacted in the current Oireachtas term and Qualifications and Quality Assurance Ireland (QQAAI) will be established as soon as possible thereafter. QQAAI will begin accepting applications for provider registration shortly after establishment.

Questions Nos. 163 and 164 answered with Question No. 160.