Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
500. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the AONTAS community education network campaign for a fee waiver for independently managed community education providers for Quality and Qualifications Ireland as she has the discretion to do under section 80 of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Education and Training Act 2012; if not the reasons for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39777/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fees to be applied to legacy providers seeking to re-engage with QQI, such as the organisations referred to by the Deputy, have yet to be determined. QQI's proposals in that regard, and any associated issues, will be considered when they are made.
Officials from my Department recently met with AONTAS to discuss the concerns of community education providers in that regard and to explore related issues such as the capacity of community education providers to effectively quality assure their own provision and alternative options for providers who wish to continue to have access to quality assured awards. My Department will continue to engage with AONTAS, QQI and other relevant stakeholders in the coming months in order to bring matters to a conclusion.
