Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 605: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number, in respect of his announcement in budget 2009 to merge HETAC, FETAC and the NQAI and his decision to establish the implementation advisory group advising him of this objective, of occasions that this group has met since its establishment; when he expects the merger to occur; the potential savings to the State and the potential savings to his Department in view of this merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17695/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In addition to the announcement of the amalgamation of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the Budget statement also signalled that the new organisation would take responsibility for the external quality assurance review of the universities, a function which is currently performed by the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The budget announcement also refers to the possibility of including some of the related functions of the National University of Ireland (NUI) in the new organisation.

The Implementation Advisory Group (IAG), formed to advise my Department on the implementation of the amalgamation, comprises representatives of the NQAI, HETAC, FETAC, the HEA, the IUQB and the Irish Universities Association. The IAG has met on four occasions to date. My Department has had separate discussions with NUI.

A consultation paper has been prepared, with the assistance of the IAG, covering the functions and shape of the new organisation and key legislative considerations. A period of public consultation is planned, which is due to start shortly and will conclude in June. My Department has also started work on the legislation necessary for the amalgamation. The target completion date for the legislative process is Autumn 2010, with the new statutory organisation to be established in Winter 2010.

Savings will arise from efficiencies achieved through economies of scale, the removal of parallel structures and streamlined and shared corporate services. Annual savings arising from the amalgamation are estimated to be in the region of €1million, although it should be noted that it is likely that once-off up-front costs arising from the process will be incurred.