Mr. Gordon Clark:

I can understand the concerns of potential providers. In September 2011 that NQAI, HETAC and FETAC announced the suspension of a number of activities in advance of their amalgamation. This was necessary in order to prepare for the transition of their functions to the new authority and the reassignment of resources within the new organisation. The amalgamation and rationalisation are clearly challenging and complex. The new Act will remove any legislative distinction between further and higher education. The authority must develop revised procedures taking this into account. That will be essential in order to protect learners. Clearly, providers have the reasonable expectation that these services will reopen soon and will expect the new service to be similar to the old one.

I understand the existing awards and award titles of HETAC and FETAC will be carried over and continue after the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland's establishment during a transitional period until spring 2013. If there are specific cases such as those mentioned by the Senator-----