Ms Mairéad Boland:

Dr. Murray has already alluded to the equal system of quality assurance around the approval of providers and the validation of programmes. That takes place within a system where trust is built as a provider undergoes QQI regulatory and quality assurance processes. All providers that come to us wishing to deliver a programme leading to a QQI award must undergo a provider approval process. They must undergo a pretty rigorous process in order to access the national framework of qualifications or be able to deliver programmes within the framework leading to QQI awards. They present their draft quality assurance procedures, which are considered by an independent expert panel and approved. Once they have gone through that process, there is a programme validation process that applies to all providers of apprenticeships. There is a series of engagements with all providers in terms of monitoring. There are regular dialogue meetings, which we referenced earlier, and annual reporting to ensure that policies are being implemented effectively. There are also measures in place where areas of concern are identified to take appropriate action and engage further with the provider. The consistency in terms of the application of those policies and procedures provides us with assurance in terms of the consistency of the programmes.