Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 642: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the decision by FETAC to discontinue their independent external examination of all FETAC learning centres from the end of May 2008; his views on this decision from FETAC; if he has had discussions with the body regarding this change in policy in respect of allowing an independent external examiner at the various learning centres which are used to provide for an independent assurance that learners and the various courses run are open to proper scrutiny and best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26833/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 outlines clear and specific functions for further education and training providers in relation to establishing quality in further education and training.

When it was established in 2001, the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) adopted all the processes of the former awarding bodies and the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA); including those relating to assessment. These processes are being gradually replaced by broader and more rigorous procedures based on FETAC policies. Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders, including providers, all FETAC's policies were agreed by the Council by March 2006. These include: publication of award standards and assessment guidelines; provider quality assurance and national monitoring.

Since the beginning of 2008, all providers registered with FETAC have rigorous procedures in relation to quality in place and which are now being monitored by FETAC.

The Qualifications Act specifically establishes a distinct function for FETAC and providers in relation to assessment. The function of FETAC is to ensure that providers establish procedures for the assessment of learners which are fair and consistent and for the purpose of compliance with standards determined by the Council.

FETAC in partnership with key stakeholders, has developed guidelines, to assist providers in the development and implementation of procedures for fair and consistent assessment. These guidelines are available since May 2007. The guidelines set out the role and responsibility of the provider with regard to quality assuring all aspects of their assessment practice.

As outlined in its monitoring policy, FETAC will monitor providers' activities on an ongoing basis, including those relating to assessment and authentication of results, to ensure consistent application of the requirements and to safeguard the integrity of FETAC awards.