Mr. Gordon Clark:

I refer to the barriers between further and higher education courses. This is a very important dimension of the national framework of qualifications. The emphasis on access, transfer and progression is crucial for lifelong learning. This was a particular concern of mine in my previous career, that is, to promote lifelong learning and a seamless transfer and progression in order that the framework would provide learning pathways without dead ends for individuals. It should be person-centred. The Act establishing the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland strengthens the provisions relating to access, transfer and progression and the national framework of qualifications. This applies across the board - to higher education and further education institutions. Under the Act, all providers should have access, transfer and progression policies in place, while respecting the autonomy of universities. It is important to stress the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland will not approve these procedures, but it will be consulted on them. I am convinced the new authority will have a strong role to promote parity of esteem between further education and higher education institutions and promote and support access, transfer and progression.