Launch Conference - National Framework of Qualifications, Royal Hospital Kilmainham - 17th October 2003
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, in association with the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment launched the publication of a national framework of qualifications.
The launch of the National Framework of Qualifications is an important event. The Framework brings about significant changes in the systems and structures of education and training in Ireland. It is the single entity - nationally and internationally accepted - through which all learning achievements may be measured and related to each other in a coherent way. The framework also defines the relationship between all education and training awards. The result is a more transparent and understandable qualifications system, enabling and encouraging learners to achieve awards for learning on a lifelong basis.
Publications Relating to the Launch of the National Framework of Qualifications 1. The National Framework of Qualifications - An Overview
The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland have now launched the publication of a national framework of qualifications. The framework will bring an increased clarity to the meaning of each type of qualification allowing qualifications to be compared easily.
2. Determinations for the Outline National Framework of Qualifications
This paper brings together in a single document the determinations made by the Authority over the period October 2002 - April 2003 in relation to the outline framework of qualifications. These determinations were made under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999.
3. Policies and Criteria for the Establishment of the National Framework of Qualifications
This publication brings together in a single document all of the policies and criteria relating to the outline National Framework of Qualifications that have been determined by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland under section 8 (2)(a) of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 over the period April 2002 to March 2003.
4. Policies, actions and procedures for Access, Transfer and Progression for Learners
The Qualifications Act sets out that the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is to promote and facilitate access, transfer and progression.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Framework of Qualifications
The European Perspective
Sergio Corti, European Commission, D.G. Education and Culture
Introducing the National Framework of Qualifications
Seán Ó Foghlú, Chief Executive, National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
Group 1 - Further Education and Training Perspective
Chaired by Will Priestley, President,Union of Students in Ireland
Group 2 - Higher Education and Training Perspective
Chaired by Dr. Don Thornhill, Chairman,Higher Education Authority
Rapporteur — Dr.Frank McMahon,Director of Academic Affairs, Dublin Institute of Technology (powerpoint presentation)
Presentations by Liam Ryan, Directorof Academic Affairs,Higher Education and Training Awards
Council and Dr. David Redmond, Registrar, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Chairperson of Registrars Group of the Conference of Heads of Irish Universities
Group 3. Schools Perspective
Chaired by Eamon Stack, Chief Inspector,Department of Education and Science
Group 4 - Employment Perspective
Chaired by Dr. Mary Meaney, Director,Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and Chairperson of Council of Directors of Institutes of Technology
Rapporteur — Bridie Corrigan Matthews, Programme Advisor, Skillnets
Presentations by Peter Rigney, Industrial Officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Jackie Harrison, Director, Social Policy, Irish Business and Employers Confederation
Group 5 - Access,Transfer and Progression Perspective
Chaired by Mary Kelly, Chairwoman,National Women’s Council of Ireland