Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 525: To ask the Minister for Defence if there is a mechanism through which members of the Defence Forces can have qualifications gained during service with the Defence Forces recognised outside the forces or by an external body like the National Qualifications Authority Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37579/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2005-2007 recognises among its various objectives the need to train and to develop members of the Defence Forces, so that they can fulfil their roles effectively and fulfil their individual training and developmental goals. One of the strategies in the Statement designed to achieve this objective is the provision of opportunities for individuals to achieve recognized qualifications through both external and internal education. This is an aspect which the Defence Forces continue to develop for personnel. Presently there are a range of Defence Force qualifications which are externally recognized by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and by other external bodies such as and including:

MT Driving Modules — Dept of Environment

Standard NCO's Course — HETAC Level 6

Command and Staff Course — HETAC Level 9

Naval Officer Engineering Training — NMCI Degree

Fire Fighting Damage Control — STCW 95.