Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

The aim of the quality control process is not to validate courses in thermodynamics or PhDs in nanotechnology. Section 9 sets out specifically that the general functions will not necessarily apply to all providers in the same way. For example, the authority will not be obliged to validate programmes of education and training in a provider which has its own awarding powers such as a university. It is not necessary to specify which functions will apply to different providers at this point, as the relevant sections of the Bill set out the precise requirements for the different providers.

I concur with Senator Barrett that we have a successful and effective third level sector and structure. Last year, a survey carried out by EU Finance Ministers concluded that Ireland has the most employable graduates in the European Union. There is no question that the university sector is performing exceptionally well in this area. What we are not seeking to do is allow or require the new authority to validate the efficacy of any course in a university. We seek to ensure that we, as a nation, can stand over the efficacy of the universities' own quality assurance process. That alone is what we are doing.

Universities will continue to regulate their own affairs and their academic staff will continue to work in an atmosphere of free inquiry as provided for under the Universities Act 1997. We have proposed amendment No. 39 to make clear that the authority's power of direction is limited to the effectiveness and implementation of quality assurance procedures. It does not extend further than that. This would only follow a review of effectiveness which would be undertaken by an external, expert panel in the area of quality assurance.