Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As signalled on Committee Stage, these are further amendments to section 8. This section provides Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, with statutory powers to evaluate a provider’s corporate fitness. While the Bill, as drafted, enables QQI to conduct a fit and proper test of the provider itself, amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, and 7 to 14, inclusive, will empower QQI to expand this test by setting criteria which will apply to the key staff and personnel of providers, including their owners and directors. This is an important additional power being given to QQI. It will ensure the persons who own and operate the providers are in good standing.