Embargo - 10am - 14 February 2002

"I greatly welcome the lengths which the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland has gone to obtain the widest possible input and involvement in the task of developing the national framework of qualifications," stated Ms. Mary Harney, T.D., Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when opening the Authority's Discussion Forum in Dublin Castle. She continued, "the framework will have a profound impact on the development of a lifelong learning society and it is essential that it be developed with full consultation."

"Everyone agrees about the importance of developing the national framework of qualifications", stated Mr. Dick Langford, chairperson of the Authority. He added, "today is an opportunity for us to hear from all of our partners in this initiative - the learners, the many providers of education and training, the awarding bodies and the business people and employers and for these partners to discuss with each other the suggestions that they have made for mapping out the way forward."

The Forum is taking place in Dublin Castle and is being attended by over 300 people. Over the last two months nearly 5,000 copies of the Authority's Discussion Document have been distributed. Over 70 submissions have been received by the Authority to date and further submissions are anticipated. The forum is providing an opportunity for all stakeholders to consider the issues raised in the document and in the consultation process subsequent to the document.

The Qualifications Act places responsibilities on the Authority as part of the national strategy for the development of a society of lifelong learning. This strategy is being implemented in a context of dramatic change in lifestyle and in the world of work. Mr. Langford added:

"In fulfilling this role, the work of the Authority is likely to have significant and far-reaching effects on many aspects of education and training in Ireland in the years ahead. The establishment of a national framework of qualifications offers us an opportunity to address many of the issues in responding to a rapidly changing world. It also enables us to promote the diversity required for a learning society."

In the morning session, the Forum had eight parallel discussion groups. Mr. Langford thanked the chairpersons and rapporteurs for playing an important role at the Forum. "We are very grateful to all of the chairpersons and rapporteurs for the analysis-of-issues groups. These people represented the wide range of stakeholders with a keen interest in the development of the national framework of qualifications - from the community and voluntary sector to state-wide training providers and from national employer organisations to awarding bodies."

Closing the Forum, Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister of State in the Department of Education and Science said that "I am very encouraged that the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is aiming to have an outline national framework of qualifications this summer. This will not be before its time and I urge the Authority to stick to this timetable if it can. It may be necessary for the Authority to publish such a framework without resolving every one of the difficult issues that have arisen - but determine the framework it must and it may not be possible to cross all the T's and dot all the I's in so doing. There will always be an opportunity to develop the framework further in the coming years."

For further information, please contact:

Claire Byrne
Information Officer
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
6-9 Trinity Street
Dublin 2

Phone - 6127088
Fax - 6127095
Mobile - 087 4158481
Email - cbyrne@nqai.ie

Background to National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland was established in 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science, Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. It has a membership drawn from a wide range of stakeholders, including nominees of the universities, learners and the social partners. The Authority's main task is to establish and maintain a national framework of qualifications. Awards to be included in this framework are those of public bodies in the State, namely the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Dublin Institute of Technology and the universities, and the Junior Certificate and the Leaving Certificate of the Department of Education and Science. It may also include awards from private bodies in the State, such as professional bodies, and from international bodies making awards to learners in the State. The Authority is also to establish the overall standards of further and higher education and training awards, other than in the universities. The Authority also has a key role of facilitating continuous lifelong learning through the promotion of access, transfer and progression for all learners at all levels of further and higher education and training. The Authority will also liaise internationally to facilitate the recognition of Irish awards abroad and of international awards in Ireland.