Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Ceisteanna (403, 404)

John Lahart

Ceist:

403. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the planned protection of enrolled learners in qualifications and quality assurance (amendment) Bill will provide for a bias for academic bonding over financial bonding in the context of learner protection; if so, whether the Bill will stipulate that where providers choose academic bonding over financial bonding, this non-regulated solution to learner protection should be recorded by the provider as a contingency liability in company accounts, as defined in financial reporting standard 102; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41843/16]

John Lahart

Ceist:

404. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will bring forward the draft protection of enrolled learners in qualifications and quality assurance (amendment) Bill; if a public consultation will occur in advance of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41844/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 404 together.

The General Scheme of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Amendment) Bill is currently being prepared by my Department. The purpose of this Bill is to address some issues that are impeding Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) from fulfilling its intended responsibilities in certain areas.

The General Scheme contains new proposals for the protection of enrolled learners. These proposals include options that will enable QQI to further develop and implement comprehensive and workable policies for the protection of enrolled learners. QQI held two consultation sessions for providers on these new proposals on 18th and 25th October 2016.

It is the intention that the General Scheme of the Bill will be submitted to Government for approval shortly.