Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science if the various measures relevant to her Department in Annex D of Budget 2009 have been completed; if not, the date by which those measures are expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14041/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The current position regarding the measures relevant to my Department in Annex D of Budget 2009 (Rationalisation of State Agencies) is as follows: 1. Amalgamation of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council - Statutory provision for the amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will be made in the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill. The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government in January and it is currently being drafted. It is planned that the Bill will be published before the summer recess with the amalgamated body being established in early 2011. 2. Abolition of the Educational Disadvantage Committee (EDC) -

Drafting of the legislation necessary to effect the abolition of the EDC has been completed and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly. No funds were made available in 2009 or 2010 for the Committee. 3. Formal disbandment of the National Adult Learning Council -

The Council has now been formally disbanded as part of the Government's programme for the rationalisation of agencies and bodies and the Chairman and members have been so advised. No funds were made available in 2009 or 2010 for the Council; 4. Closure of the Centre for Early Childhood Development & Education -

The Centre ceased operation in November 2008.