Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The universities are a bit of a mixed bag, because on the one hand UCD does a very good part-time programme which brings in mature students and it has been very good in terms of progressing that, but the issue that Deputy Cannon raised exists as well. I am often very critical of my former alma mater, Trinity College, because I feel it has not done what UCC has done, in which it takes people who have completed a diploma in the college of commerce in Cork and would let them into second year law. The institutes of technology have very good records. Maynooth has a very good record. There are, however, good examples in Trinity itself, but I think it is probably the least flexible in that regard. I think there is a need for the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland to set up a system to allow students the right to move from college to college.

Regardless of whether one is moving from an institute of technology to a university or from a vocational education committee post-leaving certificate course to a degree course, the system must become much more flexible if we are to address disadvantage in education.

I know many people, both at a personal level and through my political activity, who did not complete their degree course but may have studied for perhaps two years. Some form of recognition should be provided in such cases. If someone obtains a FETAC qualification, for example, he or she should be able to progress to the next level in the relevant institution. While much work remains to be done, the philosophy behind Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, is very good.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland recently increased the fees it charges and must have received the Minister's approval for doing so. The increase may not present a problem for private providers because measures were required to prevent abuse of the system, for example, the practice of seeking recognition for courses that had not been properly thought through. However, the community sector believes the new fees regime will have a detrimental impact as it will not be able to afford the costs of securing QQI approvals for various courses. I do not have the full details to hand but the joint committee wrote to the Department about the issue. The community education sector is unique and operates on a shoestring. While the sector presents a mixed picture, many community education providers are strongly focused on the various FETAC levels and on ensuring people obtain recognised qualifications. Does the Minister have any concerns about the impact of increased fees on community education? Has the issue been raised with him? It has certainly been raised with the committee and we hope to examine the issue soon.