Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to reports that suggest the number of first class honours degrees being awarded in colleges and universities here is too high; his views on whether there is a need to review the system of classifications in order that employers can trust qualifications achieved here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47989/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of reports of an increase in the number of first class honours degrees awarded in Irish higher education institutions and the HEA has confirmed that the proportion of students graduating with first class honours degrees has increased in recent years. However, I am not aware of any direct evidence to suggest that the number of such awards is too high or is unjustified. Universities and Institutes of Technology have primary responsibility for learner assessment. Their systems of assessment, classification and quality assurance incorporate external reviews through external examiners, who review the grading and classification of examination papers.

Learner assessment must be considered in the context of wider qualifications and quality assurance systems. Qualifications included on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) are based on defined learning outcomes and the vast bulk of higher education awards are included on the NFQ. Internal quality assurance procedures in universities and institutes of technology are reinforced by external review. In the case of universities, responsibility for external quality assurance rests with the Irish Universities Quality Board. In the institutes of technology, HETAC agrees and reviews quality assurance arrangements. The NQAI acts as the external quality assurance agency for the Dublin Institute of Technology. HETAC has also established procedures for the assessment of learners which are fair and consistent.

Responsibility for the external quality assurance review of universities and institutes of technology will move to an amalgamated body, which will have responsibility for qualifications, including the maintenance and development of the NFQ, and quality assurance. This single body will be well placed to consider issues relating to learner assessment. As the Deputy will be aware I have established a high level Strategy Group to consider the higher education sector in its entirety and to develop a vision for its future direction. The issues of quality assurance and the awarding of qualifications will also be considered in this context.