Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25368/11]

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the protection provided in the case of a person (details supplied) under sections 43 to 47 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25369/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.

The governance and day to day activities of the Institute concerned are matters for which the management authorities of the Institute are responsible. My Department does not have any function in relation to its academic affairs or to decisions about the programmes of study that it provides. I understand that demand from students and resource availability are key factors in such decisions and it is not always possible to offer a particular programme in any given year.

I understand that each year of the programme in question leads to a distinct and separate level of certification which is awarded by the U.K based Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). The IMI is the internationally recognised professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. An individual who has successfully completed any of the three levels of the course would qualify for an appropriate award, Award (Level 1); Certificate (Level 2); Diploma (Level 3).

The Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999 provides that HETAC or FETAC shall not validate a programme of education and training or delegate authority to make an award in respect of a programme of education and training, where the programme concerned is of greater than three months duration and being provided on a commercial and profit-making basis, unless the provider has put in place arrangements for the protection for learners. As the programme concerned was not validated by HETAC or FETAC and does not lead to an award from either of those bodies, the protection for learners requirements set out in the 1999 Act does not apply in this case.